Which of the following statements about testing is true?

A test can indeed be reliable but not valid because reliability refers to the consistency of the results obtained from a test, while validity concerns whether the test actually measures what it claims to measure. For example, a test that consistently yields the same score from a student over multiple attempts may demonstrate high reliability. However, if that test is measuring something unrelated to the intended content or skill area—for example, testing reading comprehension with an unrelated subject—then its validity is compromised. Thus, a reliable test can still fail to accurately assess the intended knowledge or skills, illustrating the distinction between the two concepts.

Other statements suggest conditions that are not necessarily true. A valid test can actually include subjective components in grading, as long as those components are aligned with the test's intent and properly rubriced. Standardized tests are not inherently more valid than non-standardized tests; the context of their use and how well they align with the objectives are critical factors in determining validity, not merely their format. Lastly, a reliable test should show consistent results, not variable ones. Therefore, the assertion that a test can be reliable but not valid highlights key aspects of assessment theory that are important for educators to understand.