Is the objectivity of math assessment testing a myth?

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of objectivity in math assessment testing and whether it is a myth or not. While there is no testing that is completely objective, it is argued that the focus should be on improving the subjectivity rather than trying to achieve complete objectivity. The relevance of a 20 year old opinion paper on this topic is questioned, and it is suggested that the poster should summarize the paper if they want others to read it. The conversation also touches on the idea of requiring additional context or input from the poster before offering opinions, similar to how homework is typically handled.
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  • #2
There is no testing that is not subjective.
 
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  • #3
swampwiz said:
Is the objectivity of math assessment testing a myth?
No, it's a straw man because
hutchphd said:
There is no testing that is not subjective.

Anyway, why should anyone be interested in someone's 20 year old opinion paper?
 
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  • #4
pbuk said:
Why should anyone be interested in someone's 20 year old opinion paper?
And if the OP feels it is not worth his time to summarize the paper and tell us what point he is trying to make, why is it worth my time to read it? It put it in the same category as "Here's a four-hour YouTuvbe video. Explain it to me."
 
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  • #5
pbuk said:
Anyway, why should anyone be interested in someone's 20 year old opinion paper?
This...
Vanadium 50 said:
And if the OP feels it is noty worth his time to summarize the paper and tell us what point he is trying to make, why is it worth my time to read it?
... and this.

@swampwiz, please don't post links with no additional commentary by you.
 
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  • #6
Perhaps threads of this ilk ought to be treated like homework: to get our help/opinion, you must first tell us what you think.
 
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  • #7
Is this question in the context of Liljedahl's Building Thinking Classrooms?
 

FAQ: Is the objectivity of math assessment testing a myth?

What does it mean to say that the objectivity of math assessment testing is a myth?

To say that the objectivity of math assessment testing is a myth implies that the tests, which are often considered impartial and unbiased measures of mathematical ability, may actually be influenced by various subjective factors. These factors can include the design of the test, the socio-economic background of the students, and the context in which the test is administered, all of which can affect the fairness and accuracy of the assessment.

How can socio-economic background influence math assessment testing?

Socio-economic background can influence math assessment testing in several ways. Students from higher socio-economic backgrounds often have access to better educational resources, tutoring, and a more conducive learning environment. This can give them an advantage in standardized testing. Conversely, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds may face challenges such as limited access to quality education, which can negatively impact their test performance.

Are there biases in the design of math assessment tests?

Yes, biases can exist in the design of math assessment tests. These biases can stem from the cultural context of the questions, the language used, and the assumptions made about what students should know. For example, a test question that assumes familiarity with certain cultural references or experiences may disadvantage students from different backgrounds.

Can the context in which a test is administered affect its objectivity?

Absolutely. The context in which a test is administered can significantly affect its objectivity. Factors such as the testing environment, the time of day, and the level of stress or anxiety experienced by students can all influence test performance. These external variables can lead to variations in scores that do not necessarily reflect a student’s true mathematical ability.

What steps can be taken to improve the objectivity of math assessment testing?

To improve the objectivity of math assessment testing, several steps can be taken. These include designing tests that are culturally neutral and free from biased assumptions, providing equal access to test preparation resources, and creating testing environments that minimize stress and distractions. Additionally, using multiple forms of assessment, such as project-based evaluations and oral exams, can provide a more comprehensive and fair measure of a student's mathematical abilities.

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