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Two Kinds of Tests

Here's a quick example of two standard types of tests. What do you learn about "best" testing methods when you think about this?

After a person has learned to drive, he or she goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles to be assessed. There, the person takes two different tests to demonstrate his or her capability to be a licensed driver.

One test is a multiple-choice test. The person must correctly answer questions about the laws related to driving.

The other test is a performance test. The person must skillfully drive a car in a variety of road situations.

• Which test is most important?
• Would you feel confident knowing that a new driver had only been tested in one of these ways?

To see these two kinds of assessments in action, go to the Horse Race Game.

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Lawrence Hall of Science    © Thursday, 28-Aug-2008 03:06:06 PDT The Regents of the University of California    Contact Parent Portal    Updated Friday, 20-Jun-2003 15:34:25 PDT