What is the difference between objective and subjective assessments?

The correct response highlights a fundamental distinction between objective and subjective assessments. Objective assessments are characterized by their standardized answers, meaning that the evaluation criteria are explicit and unchanging. This can include formats like multiple-choice questions, true/false queries, or fill-in-the-blank items where the correct responses are clearly defined and reflect a single correct answer.

In contrast, subjective assessments are designed to allow for personal interpretation and expression. This type of evaluation is often seen in essays, open-ended questions, and projects, where students can articulate their ideas, demonstrate understanding in a variety of ways, and where evaluators use their judgment to assess the quality of the responses based on criteria that may include creativity, reasoning, and depth of understanding.

In essence, the nature of feedback, grading, and the focus of assessment varies significantly between these two types, correlating to how they measure and assess student comprehension and critical thinking skills.