App Logo

No.1 PSC Learning App

1M+ Downloads
Which characteristic of a diagnostic test emphasizes its focus on specific concepts or skills rather than a broad range of topics?

AFlexible Format

BIndividualized Results

CSpecificity

DDiagnostic Purpose

Answer:

C. Specificity

Read Explanation:

Diagnostic Test

  • A diagnostic test is a specialized assessment tool designed to pinpoint a student's specific learning strengths, weaknesses, prior knowledge, and skill gaps before or during instruction. 

  • Unlike achievement tests that measure what a student has learned, diagnostic tests focus on identifying why a student might be struggling or where their understanding is lacking.

  • A diagnostic evaluation helps in revealing an individual's weaknesses and strengths in a certain course of study.

  • It is concerned with the persistent or recurring learning difficulties that are left unsolved by the formative evaluation.

  • The main aim of the diagnostic evaluation is to determine the causes of learning problems and to formulate a plan for remedial action. 

  • It plays a significant role in improving learning outcomes for all students.

  • It will pinpoint the types of errors that were made along with their causes.

Characteristics of Diagnosis Test


Specificity: 

Diagnostic tests are designed to focus on specific concepts, skills, or areas where students may be struggling, rather than covering a broad range of topics.

Formative in Nature: 

They are used to gather information during the learning process and guide instruction, rather than for grading purposes.

Diagnostic Purpose: 

  • Their main purpose is to diagnose learning difficulties, not simply to measure overall achievement.

Individualized Results 

  • They typically provide detailed insights into each student's performance, helping teachers personalize learning experiences.

Flexible Format

  • Diagnostic tests can take various forms, including multiple-choice, short-answer, written assessments, or even practical tasks, adapting to the subject matter and learning goals.


Related Questions:

An assessment that compares a student's performance to that of a larger group of peers, often based on national standards, is known as a:
What type of assessment is conducted at the beginning of a course or unit to gauge students' prior knowledge, skills, and potential misconceptions, helping teachers tailor instruction?
Which type of assessment is most helpful for identifying the specific learning difficulties of students to plan targeted interventions?
A disadvantage of Matching Items is that they:
What are the characteristics of a good achievement test?