Which type of question is best suited for subjective assessment?

Short answer questions are particularly suited for subjective assessment because they allow instructors to gauge a student's understanding of a topic in a more open-ended way. Unlike objective question types, such as multiple choice, true/false, or matching, which generally focus on recall of specific facts, short answer questions require students to articulate their thoughts and demonstrate comprehension in their own words.

This format enables students to express nuances in their understanding and reasoning. Instructors can evaluate not only the correctness of the information provided but also the depth of insight, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize concepts. It encourages students to engage with the material actively, fostering a deeper learning experience.

In contrast, multiple choice questions often limit responses to a single correct answer, while true/false questions present binary choices. Matching questions typically assess simple recall of terms and definitions. All these formats focus primarily on recognition and recall rather than assessing a student's ability to generate meaningful content or articulate complex ideas, which is where short answer questions excel.