Measure of Difference, Types of Tests & How tests are used in Hypothesis Testing

 

What is measure of difference? Explain different types of tests in detail with examples. How are these tests used in hypothesis testing?

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In mathematics and statistics, deviation is a measure of difference between the observed value of a variable and some other value, often that variable's mean. The sign of the deviation (positive or negative), reports the direction of that difference (the deviation is positive when the observed value exceeds the reference value). The magnitude of the value indicates the size of the difference.

Whether you like them or not, tests are a way of checking your knowledge or comprehension. They are the main instrument used to evaluate your learning by most educational institutions. According to research studies, tests have another benefit: they make you learn and remember more than you might have otherwise. Although it may seem that all tests are the same, many different types of tests exist and each has a different purpose and style.

Diagnostic Tests

These tests are used o diagnose how much you know and what you know. They can help a teacher know what needs to be reviewed or reinforced in class. They also enable the student to identify areas of weakness.

Placement Tests

These tests are used to place students in the appropriate class or level. For example, in language schools, placement tests are used to check a student’s language level through grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking questions. After establishing the student’s level, the student is placed in the appropriate class to suit his/her needs.

Progress or Achievement Tests

Achievement or progress tests measure the students’ improvement in relation to their syllabus. These tests only contain items which the students have been taught in class. There are two types of progress tests: short-term and long-term.

Short-term progress tests check how well students have understood or learned material covered in specific units or chapters. They enable the teacher to decide if remedial or consolidation work is required.

Proficiency Tests:

These tests check learner levels in relation to general standards. They provide a broad picture of knowledge and ability. In English language learning, examples are the TOEFL and IELTS exams, which are mandatory for foreign-language speakers seeking admission to English-speaking universities. In addition, the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) checks students’ knowledge of Business English, as a prerequisite for employment.

Internal Tests

Internal tests are those given by the institution where the learner is taking the course. They are often given at the end of a course in the form of a final exam.

External Tests

External tests are those given by an outside body. Examples are the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE and GMAT. The exams themselves are the basis for admission to university, job recruitment, or promotion.

Objective Tests

Objective tests are those that have clear right or wrong answers. Multiple-choice tests fall into this group. Students have to select a pre-determined correct answer from three or four possibilities.

Subjective Tests

Subjective tests require the marker or examiner to make a subjective judgment regarding the marks deserved. Examples are essay questions and oral interviews. For such tests, it is especially important that both examiner and student are aware of the grading criteria in order to increase their validity.

Combination Tests

Many tests are a combination of objective and subjective styles. For example, on the TOEFL iBT, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, the reading and listening sections are objective, and the writing and speaking sections are subjective.

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