Quantitative Assessment
Quantitative Assessment
Quantitative assessment is the objective measurement of systematic evaluation of measurable data for performance, behaviors, and outcomes. It is indispensable for data-driven decisions in various sectors such as education, finance, and healthcare as it offers objective insights that can be statistically analyzed.
What are the main methods used in quantitative assessment?
The main ways of measuring quantitatively are surveys, standardized tests, experiments, and observational studies. For instance, an SAT test that is standardized is a tool for measuring college readiness of a student via multiple choice questions to arrive at a score that is then compared with other students globally.
How can quantitative assessment be applied in education?
In the field of education, the most common metric for student understanding is quantitative assessment, which is primarily done by means of exams and quizzes that yield numerical scores. For example, a teacher might utilize a math test consisting of ten questions with each problem scored according to ten marks thus, making it possible to convert it to an overall percentage from which the teacher can assess performance and identify the parts which need to be improved by the student.
What are the limitations of quantitative assessment?
The quantitative assessment contributes much-needed data; however, it is not without its flaws such as not measuring creativity or emotional intelligence. To illustrate, a student may get a low score on a science exam but this does not indicate the level of interest and motivation the student has on the topic, which are factors that can be key for the complete educational development of that student.
How does quantitative assessment differ from qualitative assessment?
Quantitative assessment is primarily about the use of numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative assessment is based on descriptive data and subjective insights. For instance, a quantitative assessment might focus on the percentage of students who pass a particular course, while a qualitative assessment might consider the experiences and perceptions of students through interviews or open-ended survey questions.