What is a necessary characteristic of valid evaluation criteria?

Valid evaluation criteria need to be both understandable and measurable to effectively assess performance or knowledge. If evaluation criteria are unclear or convoluted, it becomes difficult for both instructors and students to grasp what is being assessed and how success is determined.

Measurable criteria allow for objective assessment, providing a clear standard against which performance can be evaluated. This helps in ensuring that the evaluation process is fair and consistent, making it easier to identify areas for improvement or confirm competence. Understandability is equally crucial; when criteria are communicated simply, all involved parties can clearly focus on the goals and standards expected.

In contrast, characteristics such as being expensive, flexible, or concise do not directly contribute to the validity of the evaluation process. While flexibility can have its advantages in certain contexts, it does not necessarily ensure that the evaluation criteria can effectively measure performance. Likewise, while conciseness can aid in clarity, it is more critical that the criteria provide comprehensive guidance that is still easily approachable.