Enetairo Reuben, Stephen Bulus Gadzama, Fauziyya Muhammad Yunus Ibrahim
In the realm of research, reliability stands as a cornerstone of methodological rigor and credibility. It refers to the consistency of a measure or instrument, ensuring that the same results can be replicated under consistent conditions. Consistency is crucial for the validity of research findings, influencing the confidence that researchers and stakeholders can place in the results. The purpose of this study is to delve into the multifaceted concept of reliability to assess the various approaches in determining the reliability of research instruments in educational research. The study used an exploratory research technique and relied on information from previous studies and publications, including journals, textbooks, periodicals, and as well the internet. Various forms of reliability, including testretest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency are discussed to underscore their roles in the educational research process. Methods for assessing reliability, such as Cronbach's alpha, Kuder-Richardson, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and Pearson Correlation Coefficient are examined to provide researchers with practical knowledge for enhancing the reliability of their instruments. The article also addresses common challenges and strategies to overcome these challenges in achieving reliable measurements in education, including best practices and future direction in reliability research. Thus, by emphasizing the importance of reliable research instruments, this article aims to guide educational researchers in developing and implementing tools that yield consistent and trustworthy results, thereby contributing to the advancement of educational theory and practice.