Arguments for and against standardized tests have brought about a lot of issues. I searched for two articles; one is defending standardized tests whilst the other is against. The links to the two articles are highlighted under references. The first article by Benjamin (2015) focuses on the value of standardized tests from a cognitive psychology point of view. This article by Benjamin (2015) is a more credible than the second article by Simpson (2016) because it encompasses a lot of the criteria that makes a good educational research article.
According to SAGE (2019), an educational research must begin with a problem or question which makes it the point of the study. The next step is the plan on how the research is to be conducted. Also, educational research needs the data collected to be analyzed and interpreted in line with the goal or problem. Additionally, educational research must have a purpose and conclude with information that is beneficial to others (6-8). Benjamin (2015) starts with an abstract of what the point of the study is, the information they will be reviewing and what they hope to achieve. Next, the study looks at varied opinions on the role of testing in psychology historically, the effects and the benefits. Throughout this paper they refer to a lot of literature which they have reviewed to come up with a conclusion. As the study concludes and highlights all the value standardized tests bring, every benefit is backed by many other credible sources. Reviewing literature that is related to any research is vital in ensuring more information is shared or in better understanding the research problem. (SAGE, 2019). These are the main reasons that make me find this source more credible.
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The introduction of the second article Simpson (2016) does not straight away get into the research problem. It is written more like an essay and it does not mention the method of how this research is being conducted. Although it has very many benefits and points it is written more like a research that has just gathered information from many sources. One of the major mistakes that are made in research is simply gathering information (SAGE, 2019). Research should be about referring to information and adding on or questioning it not just collection and presentation.
References
Benjamin, S. A., & Pashler, H. (2015). The Value of Standardized Testing: A Perspective from Cognitive Psychology . DOI: 10.1177/2372732215601116
Simpson, C. (2016, May). Effects of Standardized Testing on Students’ Well-Being . https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/eap/files/c._simpson_effects_of_testing_on_well_being_5_16.pdf
SAGE. (2019). Initial Research Considerations. Pp 1,6-8. Sage Publications.
