In the world of test creation software and online exam makers, we often hear talk of objective and subjective questions and their differing effects on test takers. Take a look at our presentation for a quick overview.

1. Slide 1
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
Advantages and
Limitations of
Subjective Test
Items

2. Slide 2
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
Overview
1. Selecting Test Items
2. The Difference Between Subjective and Objective Items
3. Advantages of Subjective Test Items
4. Disadvantages of Subjective Test Items
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

3. Slide 3
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
Selecting Test Items
• In the world of test creation software, we often hear talk of
objective and subjective questions and their differing effects on
test takers.
• Though subjective questions tend to offer deeper insight into test
takers' knowledge, they are also more difficult to grade as items
never yield simple yes or no answers.
• When designing an assessment, an administrator must take into
account the advantages, but also the potential for limitation
posed by subjective test questions.
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

4. Slide 4
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
The Difference Between Subjective and
Objective Items
What is an Objective test?
– Examples of objective tests, that can be made using test
creation software, are multiple choice or true or false, as they
contain items which allow the test taker to select a correct
answer from an array of choices.
What is a Subjective test?
– Subjective tests require the test taker to form an original
answer, based on their own understanding of the topic.
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

5. Slide 5
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
• Subjective tests , that are created through exam software, may
contain restricted or extended response items.
– With restricted response items, the keyword “brief” may be used in
the wording to signify that the item warrants only a few sentences as a
response.
– With extended response items, wording such as “compare and
contrast” or “criticize” is used to designate that the answer requires
more extensive analysis in the form of an essay or long answer.
The Difference Between Subjective and
Objective Items
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

6. Slide 6
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
Advantages of Subjective Test Items
• Subjective tests created using test generator software, help
develop the test taker’s writing skills.
• If the exam’s purpose is to test language proficiency, a subjective
test item is an excellent way to do so.
• The administrator of a subjective test is generally focused on the
test taker’s application of knowledge, rather than information
retention.
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

7. Slide 7
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
• With exam creation software, it is simple and efficient to mark
objective item tests because a computer can process yes or no
answers, or multiple choice responses.
• Despite the benefits of subjective items for testing critical
thinking, there are downfalls when it comes to marking these
types of exams.
– When scoring a subjective test, the marker must be able to view an
individual’s work with equal strictness, engagement and
impartiality no matter if it is the third or the 30th answer they are
grading.
Disadvantages of Subjective Test
Items
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

8. Slide 8
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
Disadvantages of Subjective Test Items
Issues arise if the marker:
Becomes too lenient or severe
Succumbs to fatigue
Is influenced by the previous test taker’s results
Is influenced by how the test taker did on previous questions
 Is influenced by knowing who the test taker is
•To avoid invalid results, the test grader should mask the names of the
test takers, shuffle papers in between scoring, and attempt to complete
scoring for one question in one sitting.
Source: Test Generator – Advantages and Limitations of Subjective Tests

9. Slide 9
Advantages and Limitations of
Subjective Test Items
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