What are standardized tests known for?

Standardized tests are primarily recognized for their consistent procedures for administration and scoring. This consistency is crucial because it allows for the comparison of results across different individuals and groups. When a test is standardized, it ensures that all test-takers are assessed under the same conditions, using the same instructions and scoring criteria. This uniformity is essential in generating reliable and valid data that can be interpreted in a systematic way.

The strength of standardized testing lies in its ability to produce comparable outcomes, making it feasible to assess performance across various populations and settings. This is beneficial in educational and clinical contexts, where it helps professionals make informed decisions based on objective measures of ability or achievement.

Other qualities, such as the availability of tests in multiple formats or their focus on broader comparisons rather than just local performance, do not define standardized tests in the same crucial manner as their standardized administration and scoring practices do.