Principles for Minimizing Errors in Examination Papers and Other Educational Assessment Instruments

Errors in examination papers and other assessment instruments can compromise fairness. For example, a history question containing an incorrect historical date could be impossible for students to answer. Incorrect instructions at the start of lead answer wrong number questions. As there is little research on this issue within educational community, we reviewed literature minimizing errors industries domains, including aviation, energy, medicine. We identified generalizable principles applied them our context assessment. argue that since instrument construction complex system comprising numerous interacting components, holistic approach improvement required. Assessment stem primarily from human failure. When failure occurs, it not good enough suggest ‘to err simply human’. Instead necessary look deeper, evaluating latent working conditions underpin efficacy procedures, making more or less likely. Drawing aviation industry’s ergonomic SHELLO model, articulate explore three most critical relate context: (i) time pressure, (ii) workload stress, (iii) wider organizational culture, error data collection. conclude with recommendations best practice instruments. A ‘good’ culture should promoted, which avoids blaming individuals. acknowledged readily by all, owners take scientific understanding learning them.