What measure refers to the consistency of a test in yielding similar scores for the same individual over time?

The measure that refers to the consistency of a test in yielding similar scores for the same individual over time is reliability. Reliability assesses the degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results. When a test is reliable, it means that if the same individual takes the test multiple times, their scores will be quite similar, assuming that what is being measured has not changed. This is crucial in research and assessment contexts, as it helps to ensure that the results are dependable and can be trusted over time.

In contrast, validity relates to whether a test measures what it is supposed to measure, standardization refers to the uniformity of procedures in administering and scoring tests, and variability pertains to the extent to which scores differ from one another. Reliability is essential because it underpins the accuracy and trustworthiness of any data collected through testing.