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Examination vs. Evaluation — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 17, 2023
Examination assesses specific knowledge or skills through tests or questions, while evaluation is a broader judgment of value or effectiveness based on multiple factors.
Examination vs. Evaluation — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Examination and Evaluation

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Key Differences

Examination typically refers to a structured process or tool used to test a person's knowledge or abilities in a specific subject or area. Evaluation, on the other hand, is an all-encompassing process of judging or determining the significance, worth, or quality of something.
Both examination and evaluation have their roles in academic and professional settings. An examination provides a snapshot of one's current proficiency, often under controlled conditions, making it easier to standardize and compare results across a cohort. Evaluation, however, can encompass more qualitative aspects, like how a student approaches challenges or how they apply what they've learned in real-world contexts.
It's crucial to understand that while all examinations can be a form of evaluation, not all evaluations are examinations.
In essence, examination is a subset of evaluation. While examination often aims to measure what we know or can do at a particular moment, evaluation seeks to provide a more holistic view, considering a range of factors and attributes that might not be immediately evident through a single test or quiz.

Comparison Chart

Nature

Specific and structured
Broad and holistic
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Goal

Test specific knowledge /skills
Judge value or effectiveness

Standardization

Often standardized
Can be qualitative

Duration

Typically short-term
Can be ongoing

Use in Education

Tests like quizzes, finals
Overall performance, feedback

Compare with Definitions

Examination

A methodical inquiry into a subject or situation. The detective's examination of the scene revealed some hidden clues.

Evaluation

The act of judging or determining the significance, worth, or quality of something. His performance received a positive evaluation from the judges.

Examination

The act of inspecting or scrutinizing. The art critic's examination of the painting lasted for hours.

Evaluation

A method of reflection to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a process. The project's post-completion evaluation revealed some areas of potential improvement.

Examination

A formal test of a person's knowledge or proficiency. Anna was nervous about her final examination in chemistry.

Evaluation

(Mathematics) To calculate the numerical value of; express numerically.

Examination

The act of examining or the state of being examined
The examination of the evidence.

Evaluation

A systematic determination of a subject's merit, worth, and significance. The annual evaluation helps employees understand their strengths and areas of improvement.

Examination

The act of examining, or state of being examined; a careful search, investigation, or inquiry; scrutiny by study or experiment.

Evaluation

The process of interpreting, appraising, and arriving at a judgment. The teacher's evaluation of the essays took longer than expected.

Examination

A physical inspection, especially by a doctor. The doctor's examination confirmed that he was in good health.

Evaluation

Evaluation is a systematic determination of a subject's merit, worth and significance, using criteria governed by a set of standards. It can assist an organization, program, design, project or any other intervention or initiative to assess any aim, realisable concept/proposal, or any alternative, to help in decision-making; or to ascertain the degree of achievement or value in regard to the aim and objectives and results of any such action that has been completed.

Examination

A legal proceeding to determine facts. The examination of the witness provided new insights into the case.

Evaluation

The making of a judgement about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment
An initial evaluation of the programme
The evaluation of each method

Examination

A set of questions or exercises testing knowledge or skill.

Evaluation

To ascertain or fix the value or amount of
Evaluate the damage from the flood.

Examination

A formal interrogation
Examination of the witness.

Evaluation

To determine the importance, effectiveness, or worth of; assess
Evaluate teacher performance.

Examination

The act of examining.

Evaluation

An assessment, such as an annual personnel performance review used as the basis for a salary increase or bonus, or a summary of a particular situation.
The result of the semestral evaluation will go towards your final score.

Examination

Particularly, an inspection by a medical professional to establish the extent and nature of any sickness or injury.

Evaluation

(mathematics) A completion of a mathematical operation; a valuation.

Examination

(education) A formal test involving answering written or oral questions under a time constraint and usually without access to textbooks; typically, a large, written test administered to high school and college students covering course material studied in a semester.

Evaluation

Determination of the value of a variable or expression.

Examination

Interrogation, particularly by a lawyer in court or during discovery.

Evaluation

Valuation; appraisement.

Examination

A process prescribed or assigned for testing qualification; as, the examination of a student, or of a candidate for admission to the bar or the ministry.
He neglected the studies, . . . stood low at the examinations.

Evaluation

Act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of

Examination

The act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

Evaluation

An appraisal of the value of something;
He set a high valuation on friendship

Examination

A set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge;
When the test was stolen the professor had to make a new set of questions

Evaluation

A report that provides an opinion or judgment. The real estate agent provided an evaluation of the property's value.

Examination

Formal systematic questioning

Examination

Examination of conscience (as done daily by Jesuits)

Examination

The act of giving students or candidates a test (as by questions) to determine what they know or have learned

Common Curiosities

What is the difference between evaluation and testing?

Evaluation is a broad judgment of value or effectiveness considering various factors, while testing is a specific method, often an examination, used to measure knowledge or ability.

What is the difference between assessment and evaluation and examination?

Assessment measures abilities, skills, or knowledge in a specific area; examination is a formalized test or inquiry into a subject or proficiency; while evaluation is a holistic judgment of value, quality, or effectiveness based on multiple factors.

What is known as evaluation?

Evaluation is known as the process of judging or determining the value, quality, or effectiveness of something based on various criteria.

What is the main difference between assessment and evaluation?

Assessment focuses on measuring specific abilities or knowledge, while evaluation is a broader judgment of overall value or quality.

What is the example of evaluation?

An example of evaluation is a manager reviewing an employee's yearly performance, considering aspects like task completion, teamwork, and overall contribution to the company.

What is the meaning of evaluation in education?

In education, evaluation refers to the process of judging or determining the significance, worth, or quality of a student's learning, often considering various factors such as performance, effort, and progress.

What is the best definition of examination?

Examination is a structured process or tool designed to test an individual's knowledge or abilities in a specific subject or area.

What is a method of an examination?

A method of examination refers to the specific way or approach used to test someone's knowledge or skills, such as written tests, oral interviews, practical tasks, or computer-based quizzes.

What is the concept of evaluation?

The concept of evaluation involves a systematic process of assessing and judging the quality, value, or effectiveness of something, often based on set criteria and feedback.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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