If a test is not standardized, what might be a potential issue?

When a test is not standardized, it may produce unreliable results due to inconsistencies in how the test is administered or interpreted. Standardized tests are designed to be administered and scored in a uniform manner, which allows for a reliable comparison of outcomes across different groups of students. Without standardization, varying conditions, expectations, or interpretations can lead to discrepancies in performance that do not accurately reflect a student's abilities or knowledge. This lack of reliability can make it challenging to draw meaningful conclusions or make informed decisions based on the test results.

Unreliable test results can undermine accountability measures, affect student evaluation, and skew data that educators and policymakers rely on for planning and intervention. Hence, the potential issue associated with a non-standardized test primarily revolves around the reliability of the results, making this aspect particularly critical for educational assessment and overall educational effectiveness.