When running a test, what should you avoid providing?

Reinforcement should be avoided during a test because it can interfere with measuring a learner's true abilities and understanding. The primary goal of a test is to evaluate the knowledge or skills that the individual possesses without external influences that may skew the results. If a learner receives reinforcement for specific responses, it may create a situation where the learner performs better due to the reinforcement rather than demonstrating their actual knowledge. This can lead to misinterpretations of the learner's capabilities.

In contrast, encouragement, feedback on correctness, and prompts can be appropriate depending on the situation. Encouragement can help to build confidence, while feedback provides learners with insight into their performance, guiding future learning. Prompts, when used appropriately, can assist in eliciting responses without compromising the integrity of the assessment. Avoiding reinforcement specifically helps maintain an objective assessment environment.