For example, if we administer a measure of depression to a sample of participants who have all been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, the reliability of these scores does not apply if we administer this instrument to the population as a whole. . For the reliability coefficient to be relevant for a certain population, it must be similar to the sample initially used to assess reliability. The reliability of the scores depends largely on the use of the instrument and the population to which it will be administered. Reliability is generally lower for research purposes compared to clinical use. Researchers can afford a rough estimate of reliability due to the abstract nature of their work, while scores on assessments used in clinical settings have a direct effect on an individual's life. Reliability can also be too high, for example when elements of an instrument are too redundant or too