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 2 replies 150 words each Apa format scholarly reference for both  

Student 1 reply 

Given the technical information related to Test A and Test B, I would choose to use Test A. One characteristic of Test B that made it appealing was the increased length of the test. Sheperis, and Drummond (2020), state, Typically, as the number of items on any test increases, the more accurately the test represents the content being measured. Thus, the greater number of items, the greater the reliability/precision (p. 136). In addition, the scales used seemed by their names to more adequately cover more specific aspects of self-esteem than the more general scales used in Test A. Both tests had similar reliability coefficients, however, Test A had overall higher reliability coefficients. The validity in Test B was lower than the data presented for Test A, however, the sources of validity evidence were not described and the numbers that were presented were considered both, 

To make a more informed decision, I would have liked to have the description of Test B listed as it was for Test A. At first, I assumed the tests were both measuring self-esteem, but that cannot be assumed because it was not clearly stated. I would also like more information on the sources of validity measured. In addition, I would like to know more about the tests that were compared to assess validity. While I understand the succinct report of reliability and validity, I would also like to know more about the population being tested, and to have more context related to what these tests are being used to ascertain and what that information will lead to.

Student 2

Given the choice between the two tests, I would choose Test A. For the information presented about both tests (reliability; content, convergent, and discriminant validity), Test A generally had better numbers and descriptions than Test B. For example, Test A had a better test-retest coefficient than Test B, which means that the respondents answers are more likely to stay constant over the course of taking and retaining the inventory. Test A also had a better validity of content. We know that Test A is trying to measure self-esteem, and they have items making sure self-esteem is the focus of the test through their definitions given and their consultations with experts on the subject. Test A has a slightly higher convergent correlation to another self-esteem inventory than test B, which means that it is better at measuring what it is supposed to measure.

To truly make an informed decision, I would want to have more information about test B. Some of the information provided for test A was missing for Test B, such as the description of what the test measures. If I had some more information about test B, it might change which test I choose. Neither test is perfect, and there will always be some sort of error, whether that come from the testing procedure or how the test relates to the real world (Edens & Boccaccini, 2017). The reliability was given for a couple areas, but the reliability of these tests can be investigated in other areas as well (Toledano-Toledano & Contreras-Valdez, 2018). Learning about the reliability of these tests compared to other measures can also help in making the decision of which test to choose. 

Edens, J. F., & Boccaccini, M. T. (2017). Taking forensic mental health assessment “out of the lab” and into “the real world”: Introduction to the special issue on the field utility of forensic assessment instruments and procedures. Psychological Assessment, 29(6), 599-610. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000475

Toledano-Toledano, F., & Contreras-Valdez, J. A. (2018). Validity and reliability of the beck depression inventory II (BDI-II) in family caregivers of children with chronic diseases. PloS One, 13(11), e0206917-e0206917. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0206917