Specialists in testing tend to recommend the use d objective tests in general and
multiple-choice items
in particular. They claim not only that objective tests are
more objective and convenient but that they provide more extensive samples
of
the ability to be tested and yield scores of higher reliability. Critics of multiple
choice tests claim that essay tests, despite their limitat ions and the difficulties
of
using them, provide more valid measures of ability and encourage more whole
some educational practices.