What does the term "test fatigue" refer to in a testing environment?

Test fatigue refers to a decrease in concentration over time during a testing environment. This phenomenon occurs when individuals experience a decline in their mental stamina as they continue to engage with a prolonged assessment or as they take multiple tests in succession. As fatigue sets in, focus wanes, which can lead to diminished performance and reduced accuracy in answering questions.

Understanding test fatigue is essential for both test designers and participants, as it can impact outcomes and the validity of test results. Ensuring that assessments are designed to maintain engagement and providing breaks when necessary can help mitigate the effects of test fatigue.

While other factors such as anxiety, motivation, or preparation can influence test performance, they do not specifically describe the cognitive and emotional decline that occurs primarily due to prolonged examination efforts, which is the essence of test fatigue.