Tom Stovall, CJF wrote:tbloomer in gray
So are dressage tests evaluated as objectively as humanly possible.
To my knowledge, the criteria for every dressage test at every level are exactly alike and the tests are evaluated as objectively as humanly possible.
Your point?
The point is that the evaluation is subjective and that determination of pass, fail, score, good or bad is SUBJECT to the interpretation and decision of a human.
In a subjective evaluation like a dressage test, or ANY practical examination of skill, performance, meeting criteria, etc. the outcome is not determined by an object. If it was, then anyone, regardless of their knowledge, would be able to administer the test, AND the score, pass/fail, would be consistant, repeatable, and exact regardless of WHO did the scoreing.
objectivity = 0
Objectivity has nothing to do with credibility in regards to ANY examination where judgement is rendered by human opinion, except where it involves the BELIEF that the human making the judgement is turstworthy and impartial.
The credibility of the AFA certification comes from the fact that nobody ever got it without taking and passing the exams. The certification practical exams also get credibility from the belief that the organization chooses examiners and testers based on their track record of participation, working to establish trust, and earning that trust.
Far as I know the BWFA is the only national farrier organization that has ever "awarded" a certification without requiring the candidate to pass a test. Since they did that and publicised it, it is difficult to trust whether or not any of the folks having one of their certifications earned it or bought it. No trust, no credibility. Has nothing to do with their test. Has everything to do with whether or not their certificate means that the bearer actually earned it by taking and passing a test. The BWFA is the only national farrier organization that is not granted reciprocity for their certification in meeting the entry requirements for The Guild. Now you know why.