Final answer:
An inter-rater reliability estimate is calculated by comparing experts' subjective ratings. It assesses the consistency of results obtained by different raters and is an important aspect of the overall reliability of a measurement tool.
Step-by-step explanation:
A inter-rater reliability estimate is calculated by comparing experts' subjective ratings. This type of reliability assessment concerns how much agreement there is between different raters or observers concerning the data they are assessing. When it comes to discussions around the reliability and validity of measurements or tests, reliability is about the consistency of a test or measuring tool. It ensures that if the same test is administered under similar circumstances, it will yield consistent results across different times and observers. Inter-rater reliability falls under this domain, specifically focusing on the level of agreement among different raters or judges. For instance, if different psychologists are observing the same behavior and all come to similar conclusions about the behavior's nature or severity, then the measurement or observation tool they are using is considered to have high inter-rater reliability.