What is the requirement for achieving high inter-rater reliability?

High inter-rater reliability is achieved when multiple raters consistently score an item in the same way, demonstrating agreement in their judgments. This consistency relies on the fundamental principle that all raters must use the same scoring criteria and rules while assessing responses. When raters independently evaluate the same data or performance while applying identical scoring guidelines, it enhances the likelihood of obtaining similar scores, thereby increasing inter-rater reliability.

In scenarios where raters are not trained or do not use the same scoring rules, the resulting scores can vary significantly, leading to lower reliability. Therefore, ensuring that raters share the same understanding and application of scoring rules is essential for achieving high levels of agreement and reliability in their evaluations.