However, they cannot interpret data, make connections or determine meaning. Only humans can do that, making computers, as well as their software and peripherals, only tools. Measurement is taking a finite set of data from any existing event and examining it using an accepted standard in order to gain insight. Substantial measurements will usually include the use of pre-existing, measurement tools such as measuring tapes, scales, census, IQ tests, etc. Insubstantial measurements often require the development of new measurement tools.
Validity is a credibility of the instrument to measure the phenomena.
When looking at validity, the researcher is looking at the end results of the measurements being made. Comparing the performance of the tool being used to the performance of tool designed to measure the same thing called a criterion. This is similar to face validity. Reliability is the ability of the tool to consistently measure the phenomena it was designed to measure. The ultimate job of the measurement tool is to measure the data so that it may be interpreted.