Which criterion must be met for an assessment to be considered unbiased?

For an assessment to be considered unbiased, it is essential that the context reflects familiar experiences for all students. This criterion ensures that all students can relate to the content being assessed and are not disadvantaged due to cultural or contextual differences. When the context of an assessment is familiar, it allows students from diverse backgrounds to engage with the material meaningfully, leading to a more accurate reflection of their knowledge and skills rather than their experiences outside of the classroom.

Consideration of familiar experiences is critical in creating equitable assessments, as students who encounter contextually unfamiliar material may struggle to demonstrate their understanding even if they possess the necessary knowledge. This could lead to misleading conclusions about a student's abilities. Ensuring that the assessment context resonates with all students helps to minimize bias and supports a fair evaluation of their performance.