retests

Retests refer to a second administration of a test, measurement, or evaluation after an initial attempt, with the goal of confirming results, improving performance, or assessing stability over time. Retesting occurs in education, software testing, and scientific measurement, among other fields. The specific purpose, procedures, and implications vary by context.

In education, a retest or retake allows a student who did not meet a standard to attempt the assessment again. Policies differ by institution and course. Scores may be reported separately or in aggregate; some systems use the higher score, others average the attempts. Retesting can encourage mastery but may raise concerns about testing conditions and security.

In software quality assurance, retesting is performed after defects are fixed to verify that the reported defect is resolved. It is distinct from regression testing, which checks that existing functionality remains intact after changes. Retesting focuses on the specific bug, often in a controlled environment, and may be followed by regression tests to confirm no new issues arise.

In psychometrics and clinical testing, retest reliability assesses the stability of a measurement over time. The time interval between tests and learning or fatigue effects influence results. A high correlation between test and retest implies reliability, while systematic changes suggest bias or measurement drift.

Common considerations include timing, resources, and potential biases. Ethical concerns arise in educational settings where coaching or unequal access to retests could affect fairness. Retests can improve accuracy and confidence when applied thoughtfully.