The Horn effect when assessing open-ended questions When assessing exam candidates, we strive for objectivity. But did you know that there is a pitfall lurking, called the Horn effect? It can cause a negative impression of a candidate to influence our judgement. In this article, you can read more about this cognitive trap and discover how we can remain alert. What exactly is the Horn effect? Have you ever noticed that, as an examiner, you are unconsciously influenced by your general impression of an exam candidate? If so, you may be familiar with the Horn effect. This effect occurs when the overall assessment of a candidate, usually based on previous performance or impressions, has a negative impact on the assessment of individual exam questions. This can lead to unfair assessments and a distorted picture of the candidate's actual knowledge and skills. Did you know that halo effect is the counterpart to the Horn effect? How can we prevent this effect? An important criterion of proper assessment is that the assessment is fair and objective. The following tips can help you reduce the horn effects. Tip 1: Be aware of the horn effect The first step in preventing the horn effect is to be aware of this phenomenon. Consider the fact that your opinion of a candidate may influence your assessment and try to remain objective. Ask yourself: am I really assessing this open question based on the answer given, or am I being guided by my general impression of this candidate? Tip 2: Use objective assessment criteria To minimise the Horn effect, it is important to objective assessment criteria to use when scoring open questions. Ensure that you have clear and transparent guidelines that describe what constitutes a good answer and how many points are awarded for it. This will prevent your opinion of the candidate from influencing the assessment. Tip 3: Opt for a segmented assessment You can also counteract the horn effect by distributing open questions among multiple assessors. This segmented assessment reduces the chance that a negative overall assessment will influence a candidate's score. With the help of good digital testing software (LINK), you can allow assessors to work anonymously, so that they can focus entirely on the content of the answers. Tip 4: Reflect on and evaluate your assessment After assessing, take the time to reflect on your assessment process. Did you act objectively and fairly, or were there moments when you were influenced by your overall opinion of the candidate? By regularly reflecting on and evaluating your own actions, you can improve your assessment skills and reduce the Horn effect. Conclusion The Horn effect is just one of many factors that must be taken into account when assessing tests. It is always important to strive for a transparent and fair assessment process. Did you know that the use of digital test software Can you help with the objective assessment of open questions? Our Optimum Assessment Platform offers advanced modules that allow you to easily design, host, monitor and analyse tests! Our digital testing software helps you establish objective assessment criteria and distribute the assessment across multiple assessors. Discover our supporting services.
