Final answer:
A questionnaire used to assess memory in older individuals that produces different results each time indicates low reliability. Reliability refers to the consistency of results over time, and this can be affected by factors like sample size and the instrument's calibration. It is crucial for tools used in research or diagnostics to demonstrate high reliability to ensure accurate, reproducible findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you use a questionnaire to assess memory in older individuals and find that administering it multiple times yields different results, it indicates that the measure has low reliability. Reliability is the consistency of a measure, meaning that it should produce the same results under the same circumstances. Several factors can influence reliability, such as sample size, the instrument's calibration, and participants' understanding of the questions. For example, tests like the MMPI-2-RF demonstrate test-retest reliability by providing consistent results across different times when administered to the same individual under similar conditions, as seen in the study where police officers' responses indicated changes after a period on the job. In contrast, varying outcomes when assessing memory may be due to the nature of the sampled population, since older individuals' cognitive abilities can change over time or even from day to day. It's also important to consider variables like internal consistency and inter-rater reliability when evaluating a tool's reliability.