FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What best defines a subjective test?

1. A test with multiple-choice questions

2. A test graded based on the evaluator's opinions

3. A test yielding quantitative results

4. A purely machine-graded assessment

The correct answer is: A test graded based on the evaluator's opinions

A subjective test is primarily characterized by the fact that its evaluation relies heavily on the personal judgment, opinions, and interpretations of the evaluator. This means that when grading a subjective test, the evaluator assesses responses based on criteria that may vary from one individual to another, which can result in different scores for similar answers based on the evaluator's perspective. For instance, essay questions or open-ended prompts are typical of subjective assessments because they require the test-taker to generate content based on their understanding and insights. The evaluator assesses the quality, clarity, and depth of responses, leading to a grading process that is inherently subjective. The other options suggest a level of objectivity or standardization that is not associated with subjective tests. Multiple-choice questions and purely machine-graded assessments are designed to provide clear right or wrong answers, making them more objective in nature. Tests yielding quantitative results, such as standardized tests, also emphasize a numeric score that reflects performance rather than the evaluator's opinion.