How do standardized tests measure knowledge, skills, and abilities?
Standardized tests measure knowledge, skills, and abilities by using two general types of assessment formats – closed response and open response. Many tests use a combination of both formats.
The most common type of closed-response assessment (often called objective testing) is the multiple-choice test, where students select the correct answer to a question among several possible choices. Other types of closed-response assessments include true-false and matching. Open-response assessments (often called performance assessment) require students to create their own answer to a question or task. The most common type of open-response assessment is the essay test, where students create a written composition presenting their own viewpoints. Other types of open-response assessments include short answer, fill-in-the-blank, open-ended math problems, oral presentations, lab experiments, exhibitions, and portfolios. |
