Objective and Subjective Tests
Name:
Institutional Affiliation:
Objective and Subjective Tests
Objective tests are used to test whether a learner has understood something using questions that have only one answer. An example is multiple-choice questions. Subjective tests are used to test whether a learner has understood something using open questions that require explanations. An example is essay questions.
Multiple-choice questions are good because learners take less time to respond. It is also easier for an instructor to assess a learner. It takes less time for an instructor to mark the learners’ tests. Computers can also be used to mark multiple-choice questions. This makes the process very easy. Ambiguity is avoided with multiple-choice questions. Aspects that an instructor may look out for such as spelling mistakes do not come in the way of a learner. However, multiple-choice questions may not stimulate a learner to think. A learner may also guess the correct answer. In Math, an instructor may not be able to see how a learner arrived at a particular answer. It may not be clear if a learner has completely understood how to do something. Those who set multiple-choice questions should ensure that the choices do not offer any clue to the answer. They should be plausible.
Essay questions give a learner the opportunity to display their writing and language abilities. They also test the ability of a learner to apply knowledge to certain concepts. A learner is also able to show their understanding of a particular subject. It is not easy for a learner to guess the answer to a question. Essay questions also stimulate a learner to think. However, an instructor marking essay questions may have not mark all scripts with the same level of strictness. The instructor marking scripts may also be fatigued when marking, therefore assessing learners incorrectly. There is room for ambiguity. This can be problematic when an instructor does not agree with a particular point of view even when it is correct. Essay questions can be improved by use of a rubric. It will help learners know what is expected and act as a guide for an instructor when marking (Kaipa, 2020).
References
Kaipa, R. M. (2020). Multiple Choice Questions and Essay Questions in Curriculum. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 104-116.
At Legal writing experts, we would be happy to assist in preparing any legal document you need. We are international lawyers and attorneys with significant experience in legal drafting, Commercial-Corporate practice and consulting. In the last few years, we have successfully undertaken similar assignments for clients from different jurisdictions. If given this opportunity, we will be able to prepare the legal document within the shortest time possible.