What term describes the consistency of an assessment instrument in measuring information?

The term that describes the consistency of an assessment instrument in measuring information is reliability. Reliability refers to the extent to which an assessment produces stable and consistent results over repeated applications. This means that if the same assessment is administered multiple times under similar conditions, it should yield similar results, demonstrating dependability in evaluating whatever skill or knowledge it is intended to measure. A reliable instrument is crucial in educational settings, as it ensures that the results reflect true performance rather than fluctuations caused by extraneous variables or random errors.

In contrast, validity refers to the extent to which an assessment measures what it is intended to measure; accuracy pertains to how correct the results are in relation to a standard or benchmark; and scalability involves the ability of an assessment tool to be deployed effectively across different populations or contexts. These concepts are distinct from reliability, highlighting why reliability is the focus in this context.