Objective tests measure conscious thoughts and feelings without bias. They are more accurate than projective or subjective tests and are used in employment or psychoanalytic contexts. Test questions are scored for psychological soundness and a universal standard is established.
An objective test is a type of psychological test that measures the conscious thoughts and feelings of the test taker without regard to the test administrator’s beliefs or biases. Conclusions drawn from an objective test are generally considered to be more accurate than other types of psychological tests; projective tests, which reveal unconscious motivations on the part of the test taker, and subjective tests, which are self-report tests, are two prime examples of less reliable tests. If a candidate is forthcoming and honest in his or her responses to the questions posed, an objective test can be of great help in determining the candidate’s personality. Objective tests are primarily provided as a type of employment test or in psychoanalytic contexts.
The hallmark of an objective test is that it must be capable of being classified according to a universal standard. A multiple choice, true-false, or direct question and answer format are the most commonly administered styles. A definitive set of answers allows the administrator to evaluate test results against a benchmark, thus eliminating any personal beliefs, opinions or biases the test administrator might have.
There are several aspects involved in creating and developing an objective test. Using data from the fields of psychometrics – the study of psychological measurement techniques – and clinical psychology, test developers take a number of steps to create a successful test. These steps include a determination of which populations will take the test, the objective of the test, and the precise psychological outcomes the test is attempting to infer. The developers will then put together a list of questions that match the test’s objectives.
Each question on an objective test is then scored for its psychological soundness. If experts or statistics support the purpose of the question, it remains as part of the test. This step is performed to ensure that the test is as accurate as possible in meeting the specific objectives of the process.
After developers design a format for objective testing, they’ll release a sample version that helps determine which tests are more effective than others. Once this preliminary test procedure is completed, the test is modified and revised if necessary. Another preliminary testing process takes place, and the developers use the results of these tests, along with statistical practices, to set up a universal standard by which all objective tests can be measured.
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