Why is scoring on subjective instruments considered more difficult than objective ones?

Scoring on subjective instruments is indeed considered more challenging primarily because these instruments require personal interpretation and judgment. Unlike objective tests, which have fixed answers that can be easily marked as correct or incorrect, subjective assessments often hinge on individual perspectives and the evaluator's insights.

This subjectivity introduces variability in scores, as different evaluators may arrive at different conclusions based on their interpretations of the responses. For example, in a written essay or a performance task, the quality of the work is often assessed based on criteria that can be interpreted in multiple ways, thus requiring the evaluator to weigh and analyze the nuances of the content.

The need for critical thinking and the capacity to recognize subtleties in the responses adds complexity to the scoring process. Understanding the thought process behind why an answer is appropriate or applicable also requires a deeper engagement with the material, which can lead to different evaluations among scorers.

In contrast, objective instruments, such as multiple-choice tests, eliminate this subjectivity by ensuring that each question has a clear and indisputable answer, allowing for straightforward scoring. This fundamental difference in scoring methodology is what makes subjective instruments more difficult to score accurately and consistently.