A meta-analysis compared the reliability of personality tests that are free with those that cost money (Hamby, Taylor, Snowden, & Peterson, 2016). All of the personality tests were based on the Big Five model of personality. The researchers reported that “free scales possessed significantly higher alpha coefficients than for-pay scales for each of the Big Five traits” (p. 422).

a. What is meant by a meta-analysis here?

b. What is meant by alpha coefficients here?

c. The researchers reported that the alpha coefficients were “significantly higher” for free personality tests than for tests that cost money. What does the phrase “significantly higher” indicate?

d. These findings indicate that free personality tests are likely to be reliable, or at least more so than for-pay personality tests. Does that mean that these tests are worth taking?