4.1 Objective Type Tests
Definitions:
1.Gilbert sax (1989) defines objective tests as: "Any test having clear and unambiguous scoring criteria. Because multiple choice and true false tests can usually score objectively, they are sometimes referred to as objective tests"
Lou M. Carey (1988) defines objective tests as "Objective test items require students to work or select a correct or best answer These items are called objective because they can be scored more objectively than any other type of item used to measure students' performance... Selected response items include alternative response, matching and multiple choice items".
3.W. Wiersma and S.G. Jurs (1990) define "objective items' as "items that can be objectively scored; items on which persons select a response from a list of options".
4. R.L. Ebel & D.A. Frisbie (1986) define "an objective test is one that can be provided with a simple predetermined test of correct answer so that objective opinion judgment in the scoring procedure is eliminated".
Characteristics:
1.The objective type test require the pupils to supply a word or to select a correct answer from a no. of alternatives.
2.The objective type test is highly structured 3.Scoring is objective that is quick, easy and accurate.
4. Objective tests are inappropriate for organizing and integrating ideas.
5.The main characteristics are:
(i) High reliability
(ii) Specificity (iii) Objectivity (iv) Adequate content sampling
Merits:
1. The scoring is not affected by personal opinion of the scorer i.e., they have high objectivity.
2.A large sampling of the course content is possible, by including large number of test items.
3. Scoring is objective and is quick, easy and consistent.
4. High reliability is possible when constructed well.
5.These restrict the pupil to a specific response called for. In this way prevent bluffing.
6.The writing skill has no influence on scoring.
7.These are efficient for measuring knowledge off acts. Some types can also measure understanding, thinking skills and other complex outcomes.
8. Less time is required to score the objective type test.
9.Due to lack of choices, pupils prepare to whole syllabus.
10. Guess papers and selective studies are discouraged.
11. Untrained staff can score with the help of scoring key.
Demerits:
1. The objective type test cannot measure the ability to select, organize and integrate ideas.
2.The preparation is difficult and time consuming as large number of questions are needed.
3.The selection type items are subject to guessing.
4.The pupils can easily copy in the examination
center.
5.The preparation of items demand training.
6.The writing abilities cannot be assessed.
7.A lot of time and money is needed to develop objective type tests.
8.Availability of objective type tests in the market reduces the habit of studying books.
9. Theories and experiments cannot be asked by these tests.
10.The guessing correction formula needs to be applied.