A Simple Guide to Inter-rater, Intra-rater and Test-retest Reliability for Animal Behaviour Studies
Naomi D. Harvey
Abstract
This paper outlines the main points to consider when conducting a reliability study in the field of animal behaviour research and describes the relative uses and importance of the different types of reliability assessment: inter-rater, intra-rater and test-retest. Whilst there are no absolute methods under which reliability studies should be analysed or judged, this guide highlights the most common methods for reliability analysis along with recommendations and caveats for how the results should be chosen and interpreted. It is hoped that this guide will serve to improve the quality of, and reporting of, reliability studies in animal behaviour research through aiding both the researchers themselves, and reviewers of their manuscripts.