Combining Reliability Coefficients: Possible Application to Meta-Analysis and Reliability Generalization

Abstract

Formulae for combining reliability coefficients from any number of samples are provided. These formulae produce the exact reliability one would compute if one had the raw data from the samples. Needed are the sample means, standard deviations, sample sizes, and reliability coefficients. The formulae work for coefficient alpha, KR-20, retest, alternate-forms, split-half, interrater (intraclass), Gilmer-Feldt, Angoff-Feldt, validity, and other coefficients. They may be particularly useful for meta-analytic and reliability generalization studies.