The Spearman-Brown formula for correction of the split-half coefficient of reliability was discussed as a conceptual precursor of modern formulations of internal-consistency reliability. An alternative expression of the Spearman-Brown formula was suggested. Derived from the principal components of the product moment coefficient of correlation, this formulation facilitates understanding of the meaning of internal-consistency reliability. It also is conducive to classroom discussion of the key concepts of the classical theory of tests and measurements.
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