Final answer:
Low test-retest reliability is expected for an anxiety questionnaire measuring current symptoms, as these can vary over time unlike enduring characteristics or general tendencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
A researcher should expect low test-retest reliability for an anxiety questionnaire that measures current symptoms. Test-retest reliability refers to the consistency of a measure across time. Given that current symptoms of anxiety can fluctuate based on various factors such as stress, environment, and personal circumstances, this aspect of anxiety is not likely to remain stable over extended periods.
Therefore, unlike measuring enduring characteristics or general tendencies, which are more stable, current symptoms are expected to change, leading to low test-retest reliability. For instance, a study might show variation in the anxiety scores of police officers over a period influenced by their experiences on the job. Reliability scales like the MMPI-2-RF aim to have consistent results across administrations for it to be considered reliable.