How do standardized tests differ from informal assessments?

Standardized tests are characterized by their adherence to strict guidelines and protocols, which is what makes them suitable for large-scale comparisons across various populations. They are designed to be administered and scored in a consistent manner, ensuring that the results are reliable and valid. This structure allows educators, policymakers, and researchers to interpret the data meaningfully, comparing performance across different groups and contexts.

The clarity in format and scoring of standardized tests contrasts with informal assessments, which are typically more flexible and can vary in structure based on the teacher's approach or the unique needs of the students. Informal assessments can include observations, projects, or student responses that do not follow a mandated format, thus benefiting individual learning styles but lacking the uniformity required for broader comparisons that standardized tests provide.

Moreover, while standardized tests can measure a range of skills including cognitive abilities, they are not limited to measuring only cognitive skills, making this option less accurate in distinguishing them from informal assessments. Thus, while standardized tests serve a specific purpose in educational assessment, it's their adherence to strict guidelines and use for larger educational evaluations that primarily sets them apart.