Which method describes the cognitive evaluation format 'Written / oral'?

• A. Observational
• B. Written / oral
• C. Performance-based
• D. Practical

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is identifying how knowledge and thinking are assessed. A written/oral format is used to evaluate what someone knows and how they reason through it—memory, understanding, application of rules, and decision-making. It tests cognitive processes by having you write answers or explain your thought process aloud, without requiring you to actually perform a task.

That’s why it’s the best choice for a cognitive evaluation: it focuses on knowledge and judgment rather than on hands-on ability. In contrast, observational formats look at how you perform tasks in real or simulated settings, which measures behavior and practical skill. Performance-based approaches require you to complete a task or demonstrate ability in action, and practical formats emphasize hands-on execution. All of these assess skills or behavior, not just what you know, which is why they aren’t considered cognitive evaluations.