Which term describes a test item that only has one correct answer?

The term that describes a test item with only one correct answer is objective. Objective test items typically include formats such as true/false, matching, or multiple-choice questions, where the answer can be definitively determined to be right or wrong without requiring personal interpretation or opinion. This clarity allows for straightforward grading and reduces subjectivity, ensuring that the assessment is based on specific knowledge or skills rather than on personal judgment.

In contrast, subjective items involve personal interpretation or opinions, such as essays or discussion prompts, where the answers can vary widely and are evaluated based on the examiner's criteria. Open-ended questions allow for a broader range of responses that do not necessarily lead to a single correct answer. Multiple-choice questions could also be considered objective, but the term "objective" encompasses a broader range of question types that have clearly defined correct responses. Thus, the best term to describe a test item with only one correct answer is objective.