Low internal consistency makes a scale’s findings uninterpretable

Evidence

Let’s see. We have inferred that a trait exists. We have defined the trait in some detail. We have a measure of that trait, and the internal consistency of that measure supports the notion that the trait exists. But does that measure actually correlate with the kind of behavior we want to understand? Does the RWA Scale have empirical validity, as well as a pretty alpha? — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 264

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 264
• XREF: connects to: The F Scale’s validity sparked a lasting methodological controversy — Martin Jay, The Dialectical Imagination: A History…, 743; Measurement instrument choice drastically changes forgiveness findings — Nyla R. Branscombe and Bertjan Doosje (eds.), Collective Guilt: International…, 1375