What is the implication of a test's ceiling effect?

• A. It indicates that lower-performing students are not accurately assessed
• B. It shows that the test is well-balanced for all performance levels
• C. It suggests that the test cannot adequately evaluate high-performing individuals
• D. It implies that the test is easier than expected

Answer: (C)

A test's ceiling effect occurs when a significant number of test-takers reach the upper limit of the test's scoring scale. This phenomenon suggests that the test is not sensitive enough to identify differences in performance among high-achieving individuals. In other words, since many top performers achieve similar high scores, the test fails to adequately evaluate variations in their abilities or knowledge. Consequently, the effectiveness of the test is compromised for this group, as it cannot distinguish between their varying levels of proficiency or achievement.

In this context, the ceiling effect serves as a limitation, indicating that the test may need to be more challenging or have a broader range of items to differentiate between those at the higher end of the ability spectrum effectively. This ultimately impacts the overall utility of the test in measuring advanced skills or knowledge, rendering its results less informative for both educators and students in the context of high-achieving individuals.