What is the main purpose of using achievement tests?

Achievement tests are specifically designed to determine the extent of knowledge and skills that students have acquired in relation to what they have been taught in a particular subject or course. These tests focus on evaluating how well students have learned the material, reflecting their mastery of content, concepts, and skills that are considered important in their education. This makes the correct answer a reflection of the primary intent behind achievement testing.

In contrast, assessing student behavior is oriented towards understanding interpersonal skills and social interactions rather than academic performance. Measuring instructional effectiveness relates to evaluating how well teaching methods are working, which is a different goal than simply gauging what students know. Evaluating emotional intelligence is focused on personal and social competencies rather than academic knowledge, illustrating a distinctly different area of assessment. Thus, the aim of achievement tests is to capture what students have learned academically, making the answer about gauging student knowledge and skills the most appropriate choice.