Test Validity and Reliability

Test Validity

Using BMI in schools for age groups is not done to measure the fat content in students. It also is not a valid measurement to judge weight classifications of students. The purpose of using BMI is that it is a valid measure of weight-related health risks. The BMI’s validity is also supported by its use by NASPE, the CDC, and the Cooper Institute for weight-related health risks.

Reliability

To maintain reliability for BMI, the students took heights and weights every time they did the BMI test. The BMI test had reliable results because the teacher overlooked the measurements for height and weight. Rounding height up and weight down is common to do when people calculate BMI. Factors for test reliability were using the same scale and making students measure both height and weight for both tests. This is to ensure that we were getting accurate data for BMI. Also I double-checked the students’ calculations after they handed them in to ensure they were calculated right.