What should test items always be based on?

Test items should always be based on specific learning objectives because these objectives provide a clear framework for what students are expected to learn and demonstrate. Learning objectives are designed to articulate the desired outcomes of an instructional program, ensuring that assessments accurately measure the knowledge and skills that students should acquire.

By aligning test items with these specific learning objectives, instructors can create assessments that are both reliable and valid. This approach not only reflects the core content that has been taught but also helps in gauging the effectiveness of the instruction itself. Furthermore, it ensures that all students are evaluated based on standardized criteria, allowing for a fair assessment of their understanding and performance.

Relying on real-world scenarios, while beneficial, does not guarantee that the assessment aligns with the defined learning objectives. Instructor's preferences can introduce bias and may not represent the learning goals, and student input, although valuable, can lead to variability that might distract from the foundational objectives. Therefore, basing test items on specific learning objectives is essential for effective evaluation and instructional integrity.