FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What type of assessment collects qualitative data that does not lend itself to quantitative methods?

1. Cognitive assessment

2. Qualitative assessment

3. Quantitative assessment

4. Norm-referenced assessment

The correct answer is: Qualitative assessment

Qualitative assessments are specifically designed to gather non-numerical data that provide insights into individuals' thoughts, experiences, and motivations. These assessments emphasize understanding the depth and context of a learner's performance or perspective, often through open-ended questions, interviews, or observations. The qualitative data collected can reveal patterns, themes, and rich descriptions that quantitative methods cannot capture, making it invaluable in educational settings where understanding the nuances of learning and teaching is critical. In contrast, cognitive assessments and quantitative assessments primarily focus on measurable skills or knowledge, working with numerical scores and statistical analysis, which does not align with the qualitative goal. Norm-referenced assessments compare an individual's performance to a normative group, but they also rely on quantitative metrics to determine relative standings. Therefore, qualitative assessments stand out for their purpose of exploring deeper insights that resist straightforward quantitative interpretation.