Tests are not meant just to provide grades. A good test will tell the examiner what the student knows, the extent of his understanding, and his ability to use that knowledge. Here lies the importance of deciding on the choice between the objective test and the subjective test.
The objective test is better suited when there are definite answers that can be scored uniformly. The subjective test gives the student more liberty to articulate thoughts, make arguments, find solutions, and think logically.
An objective test is a test where questions have predefined answers. Since the answer can either be right or wrong, the objective test requires minimal judgment during marking.
Examples of such questions include multiple-choice questions, true or false questions, matching questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and assertion and reasoning questions.
One advantage of objective assessments is consistency. If two candidates choose the same correct answer, then they both get the same score irrespective of who is marking the exam. This type of assessment is very helpful when there are many candidates to mark.
It is not necessary for an objective question to test memorization. Good questions will test application, analysis, and problem solving using a scenario, data, or case study.
In a subjective test, students have to come up with their answers rather than choose among the predetermined ones. The answers can be graded using marking schemes or rubrics, but the examiner will always have to make some judgment.
The types of tests that belong here are essays, short-answer questions, long-answer questions, oral tests, project work, and problem-solving questions. Such tests enable students to show their process of arriving at a particular answer.
Subjective assessment comes in handy when you want to test skills that cannot be tested well with a single answer. Examples of such skills include writing skills, interpretation skills, argumentative skills, creative skills, and reasoning skills.
However, the major limitation is that subjective answers take much time to grade. Also, if there are no rubrics, the judgment of different examiners can vary on the same answer.
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Perhaps the simplest way of distinguishing between objective tests vs subjective tests is by considering their differences in the content measured and the means by which responses are scored.
| Factor | Objective Test | Subjective Test |
| Answer format | Pre-determined/fixed | Open-ended |
| Scoring process | Typically standardized | Evaluator judgment required |
| Scoring speed | Typically quicker | Typically slower |
| Objectivity/consistency | High | Varies depending on criteria and evaluators |
| Most appropriate for measuring | Facts, concepts, applications | Reasoning, writing, critical thinking |
| Expression of student ideas | Low | High |
| Chance of guessing | Possible for selected-response formats | Not possible |
| Large-scale use | Highly efficient | Less efficient |
In simple language, the objective format addresses the question, “Did the learner pick the right answer?” The subjective format can address the question, “Can the student explain/defend/support the concept?”
This difference is significant in choosing the assessment methods in the class or examination.
The contrast between objective questions and subjective questions is best highlighted by example.
Objective questions may include: Which planet is referred to as the Red Planet?
The student picks Mars from among other choices. It has a definite correct answer, hence easy to score.
Subjective questions could include: Why has Mars been the focus of scientists' research?
In this case, students formulate varied answers. The assessor evaluates correctness, relevance, reasoning, organization, and elaboration.
Neither type of question can be said to be better than the other. The former tests knowledge, while the latter determines whether the student understands and can explain.
That is why the battle of multiple-choice vs essay questions is not worth it since they play different roles.
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The following are some advantages of objective tests:
Even though they are efficient, there are some shortcomings associated with the objective formats.
First, a student can answer the questions correctly, especially if the questions are in the multiple-choice format. The objective test will not be able to give any information on why the learner made a certain answer, even though he might know the content.
Secondly, objective questions do not give room for learners to express themselves adequately. They cannot show the level at which learners argue and explain their ideas on a certain problem.
Question construction can minimize some of the weaknesses mentioned above.
The advantages of subjective tests include:
These tests can be useful for disciplines like literature, philosophy, writing, social sciences, and many others.
The first and foremost problem here is assessment. Assessment of essays or extended responses involves much more time than marking multiple-choice questions. Lack of a precise rubric will mean that such elements as writing style or organizational skills may have an effect on scoring.
It is also possible that subjective questions may be hard to administer to a large group of respondents. Different evaluators may give different scores for identical answers unless they have scoring guidelines and instructions.
There is also a possibility of testing communication skills in addition to subject knowledge. It may happen that the person knows the concept but is unable to convey the information in a written form.
All these issues are to be kept in mind before using such questions in the evaluation process.
The decision regarding objective vs subjective assessment in education needs to be based on the learning goal before anything else.
In case it is necessary to find out if learners are able to recall terminology, identify concepts, do calculations, or find information, objective assessment could be used.
On the other hand, in case the task requires finding out if learners are able to interpret information, make arguments, analyze evidence, or deliver a solution, subjective questions can give more information.
It should be noted that teachers need to think about the type of assessment: formative or summative assessment. The former is used during the learning process, in order to get feedback and find weak points. The latter is done at the end of a particular period of time.
Both forms can be used for both objectives. For example, an objective quiz can help to reveal misconceptions within a class, and the written work can give more information. At the same time, a final exam can include both types of questions.
Whether to conduct objective or subjective tests can be determined by taking into account four aspects:
Objective testing is recommended in the following cases:
Subjective testing should be used when:
In many cases, it makes sense to use both types of tests together. For instance, a test in science may include objective questions that will assess knowledge and subjective tasks for evaluating scientific reasoning.
Competitive exams tend to focus on speed, accuracy, and rankings. Questions that are objective in nature are frequently used since they involve candidates answering the same questions and being graded according to the same standard. They are also easy to process effectively.
On the other hand, subjective aspects are also useful where the need to examine someone’s writing skills, arguments, and ability to explain arises.
The approach to study varies depending on whether one is dealing with an objective or a subjective examination. The former requires precision, speed, question selection, and managing the answer options, while the latter involves logical structuring, good writing, and time management.
Objective test vs subjective test is not about selecting the better of the two but about selecting the appropriate tool. Objective testing gives you uniformity, efficiency, and scale; subjective testing gives you reasoning, communication, imagination, and insight. Educational assessment needs to use both approaches appropriately, as required. The combination of both approaches in many classroom and examination settings can give a better indication of what the student knows and what the student can do.
Objective tests involve pre-set answers and consistent marking, while subjective tests necessitate that students come up with their own answers, which will then be marked according to certain criteria.
Objective tests are in the form of multiple-choice, true-false, match, and fill-in-the-blank questions. The subjective ones include essays, short-answer questions, projects, and oral responses.
Objective questions can stress accuracy, memory, and fast decision-making, and subjective questions can show reasoning, communication, interpretation, and the development of the answer.
Objective tests are usually quicker, more reliable, and scalable but may not give as much information about the reasoning process. Subjective tests give more opportunity for detailed answers and more personal expression but need more time and care when scoring to be reliable.
Subjective questions are usually better for testing critical thinking since they allow students to explain their reasoning, analyze information, build an argument, and defend their conclusions.
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