Which of the following describes a characteristic of a reliable test?

A reliable test is characterized by its ability to yield consistent results across different administrations. This means that if the same test is given to the same group of individuals at different times, it should produce similar results, assuming no significant changes in what is being measured. Consistency is key in reliability, as it indicates that the test is functioning as intended and measuring the same constructs under similar conditions.

Variability in results over time, as suggested in one of the options, would imply a lack of reliability. Similarly, measuring a wide range of skills without a focused approach does not contribute to reliability, as it can lead to inconsistent outcomes based on differing skill sets among test-takers. An adaptive test, while potentially beneficial in assessing performance accurately, does not specifically address the concept of reliability in the way consistent results do. Thus, the characteristic that defines a reliable test is its consistency across various administrations, making it a dependable measure of the construct being evaluated.