FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a key feature of an objective standardized test?

1. Uniformity in scoring and construction

2. High subjectivity in answers

3. Informal feedback mechanisms

4. Unpredictable item selection

The correct answer is: Uniformity in scoring and construction

The correct choice highlights a core characteristic of objective standardized tests, which is their uniformity in scoring and construction. This uniformity ensures that all test-takers are evaluated using the same criteria and format, resulting in score comparisons that are valid and reliable. Objective standardized tests typically utilize multiple-choice, true/false, or matching questions, which can be scored consistently regardless of who administers the test or corrects the answers, thus eliminating variability and bias. The other options reflect features that do not align with the nature of objective standardized tests. Subjectivity in answers contradicts the objective format since these tests are designed to have clear correct answers, minimizing personal interpretation. Informal feedback mechanisms are generally not a characteristic of standardized tests, as they typically provide structured results rather than ongoing dialogue or informal assessments. Lastly, unpredictable item selection does not pertain to standardized tests, which usually have a fixed set of items that are carefully selected and vetted to ensure fairness and reliability across administrations.