Final answer:
The correct answer is option b) Ambiguity and subjectivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major weaknesses of easily crafted test items, specifically in the context of IQ tests, are their potential for ambiguity, lack of clarity, and the introduction of bias, which can arise from socio-cultural influences on what is considered to be knowledge or intelligence. These biases can affect the quality of the test by rewarding certain groups over others based on their cultural and socio-economic background.
For instance, a question that assumes knowledge of orchestral instruments may disadvantage students who have had less exposure to such cultural experiences, often correlating with lower socio-economic status. Conflict theorists argue that such bias in testing perpetuates existing power structures by favoring the educational opportunities of more affluent students, thus making it difficult to fully eliminate bias from assessments.
In addition to cultural biases, IQ tests and other standardized tests have been criticized for potentially measuring cultural knowledge rather than an individual's actual cognitive abilities. This problem is exacerbated by test questions that may seem to be misleading or poorly phrased, thus impacting the accuracy and usefulness of these tests. These issues could lead to the reinforcement of social inequalities through educational assessments.