What defines a dichotomous test?

A dichotomous test is defined as a test that offers only two possible responses. This characteristic is fundamental to the nature of such tests, where each item typically results in a straightforward answer, such as "true or false," "yes or no," or "correct or incorrect." This binary framework facilitates clear scoring and interpretation, making dichotomous tests useful for measuring specific criteria or conditions with distinct categories.

In contrast, tests that allow multiple responses or measure multiple constructs do not fit the definition of dichotomous tests, as they incorporate a range of answers or dimensions. Likewise, a complex test structure suggests a test with multiple components or layers, which also diverges from the simplicity inherent in a dichotomous format. Thus, the clarity and precision of having just two response options are what distinctly characterize a dichotomous test.