Which practice reduces bias in testing performance?

• A. Allowing subjective judgments.
• B. Clear rubrics and objective criteria.
• C. Unstructured questioning.
• D. Open-ended conversations.

Answer: (B)

Structured scoring with clear rubrics and objective criteria is the practice that reduces bias in testing performance. When you lay out specific criteria and performance levels, every student’s work is judged against the same standards, so what counts is observable evidence of achievement rather than a rater’s personal feelings or expectations. This consistency helps minimize the influence of who is scoring, the test environment, or how the tester happens to interact with a student, boosting reliability and validity. It also makes comparisons fairer across different test-takers and occasions because the scoring rules are explicit and apply equally to everyone. Relying on subjective judgments, unstructured questioning, or open-ended conversations can introduce variability and bias since different raters or interviewers may emphasize different aspects or be swayed by rapport, wording, or first impressions.