Review vs. Assessment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
"Review" means to examine or assess critically, often for evaluation purposes; "Assessment" is the evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.
Key Differences
"Review" and "Assessment" are terms used to describe the process of evaluating something, yet they have different implications and applications. "Review" often implies a critical examination, evaluation, or summary of a subject, piece, or material, with the intention of understanding or summarizing it. In contrast, "Assessment" typically involves the determination or estimation of the value, quality, or capability of someone or something.
When someone conducts a "Review," they may be focusing on the analysis, recapitulation, and summary of the content or subject, often providing opinions, critiques, or recommendations. Conversely, an "Assessment" usually involves a more structured and often quantifiable evaluation process, intending to measure and evaluate performance, capability, or value systematically.
A "Review" is often more subjective and can be based on personal opinion, taste, and experience, providing insights, critiques, or recommendations on a piece of work or subject. On the other hand, "Assessment" tends to be more objective, using established criteria, standards, or metrics to evaluate and measure the subject's quality, capability, or performance.
"Review" can be a process aimed at summarizing and critiquing, often leading to a better understanding or improvement of the subject. Meanwhile, "Assessment" is usually focused on measuring and determining, providing insights into the quality, value, or capability of the subject, often leading to informed decisions or actions based on the evaluation.
A "Review" could be seen as a critical examination of a subject for understanding, improvement, or recommendation purposes. In contrast, an "Assessment" is more of a systematic and objective evaluation to determine the subject’s quality, capability, or value accurately.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To examine, summarize, and possibly critique.
To measure and evaluate systematically.
Nature
Often subjective and opinion-based.
More objective, uses established criteria.
Application
Analysis, recapitulation, and critique of content.
Determination of value, quality, or capability.
Output
Insights, opinions, recommendations.
Measurements, evaluations, grading.
Intent
Understanding, improvement, summarization.
Informed decisions, actions based on evaluation.
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Review and Assessment Definitions
Review
A critical examination and summary of a subject or content.
The book received a glowing Review from critics.
Assessment
An estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.
The Assessment of the property's value was higher than expected.
Review
An act of going over a subject again to reinforce learning.
Before the test, we had a quick Review of the material.
Assessment
A measure of a person’s performance, ability, or aptitude.
The Assessment indicated a high level of linguistic proficiency.
Review
A formal inspection of an organization or system.
The company conducts an annual Review of its policies.
Assessment
The act of evaluating or appraising a person or situation.
The teacher made an Assessment of the students' knowledge.
Review
An article evaluating or analyzing a work, product, or performance.
The film Review highlighted the director's innovative approach.
Assessment
A calculated or determined evaluation of a subject’s quality or capability.
The health Assessment showed normal levels of all vital parameters.
Review
To look over, study, or examine again
Reviewed last week's lesson.
Assessment
The process of making a judgment or forming an opinion.
The initial Assessment of the incident led to immediate action.
Review
To consider retrospectively; look back on
Reviewed the day's events.
Assessment
The act of assessing; appraisal.
Review
To examine with an eye to criticism or correction
Reviewed the research findings.
Assessment
An amount assessed, as for taxation.
Review
To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).
Assessment
The act of assessing or an amount (of tax, levy or duty etc) assessed.
Review
(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.
Assessment
An appraisal or evaluation.
Review
To subject to a formal inspection, especially a military inspection.
Assessment
The act of assessing; the act of determining an amount to be paid; as, an assessment of damages, or of taxes; an assessment of the members of a club.
Review
To go over or restudy material
Reviewing for a final exam.
Assessment
A valuation of property or profits of business, for the purpose of taxation; such valuation and an adjudging of the proper sum to be levied on the property; as, an assessment of property or an assessment on property.
Review
To write critical reviews, especially for a newspaper or magazine.
Assessment
The specific sum levied or assessed.
Review
A reexamination or reconsideration.
Assessment
An apportionment of a subscription for stock into successive installments; also, one of these installments (in England termed a "call").
Review
A retrospective view or survey.
Assessment
The classification of someone or something with respect to its worth
Review
A restudying of subject matter.
Assessment
An amount determined as payable;
The assessment for repairs outraged the club's membership
Review
An exercise for use in restudying material.
Assessment
The market value set on assets
Review
A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.
Assessment
The act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event;
They criticized my judgment of the contestants
Review
A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.
Review
An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation.
Review
A formal military inspection.
Review
A formal military ceremony held in honor of a person or occasion.
Review
(Law) An evaluation conducted by a higher court of a decision made or action taken by a lower court to determine whether any error was made.
Review
A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.
Review
A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights.
I need to make a review of the book before I can understand it.
Review
An account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work.
The newspaper review was full of praise for the play.
Review
(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.
The victims demanded a full judicial review of the case.
Review
A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.
The Cambridge Footlights Review launched many Monty Python faces.
Review
A survey of the available items or material.
The magazine contained a review of Paris restaurants.
Review
A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.
The Times Literary Review is published in London.
Review
A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.
The troops assembled for a review by the Queen.
Review
A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.
The regulators demanded a review against NYSE practices.
Review
To survey; to look broadly over.
Before I tackle the question directly, I must briefly review historical approaches to the problem.
Review
To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.
The critic reviews every new play in London.
Review
To look back over in order to correct or edit; to revise.
Review
To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.
Review
(obsolete) To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
(obsolete) To retrace; to go over again.
Review
To view or see again; to look back on.
Review
To go over and examine critically or deliberately.
Review
To retrace; to go over again.
Shall I the long, laborious scene review?
Review
To look back; to make a review.
Review
A second or repeated view; a reëxamination; a retrospective survey; a looking over again; as, a review of one's studies; a review of life.
Review
An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.
Review
A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.
Review
A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.
Review
An inspection, as of troops under arms or of a naval force, by a high officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of discipline, equipments, etc.
Review
The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.
Review
A lesson studied or recited for a second time.
Review
A new appraisal or evaluation
Review
An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)
Review
A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment
Review
(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data
Review
A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians
Review
A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art
Review
A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion
Review
(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)
Review
Practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory
Review
A formal or official examination;
The platoon stood ready for review
We had to wait for the inspection before we could use the elevator
Review
Look at again; examine again;
Let's review your situation
Review
Appraise critically;
She reviews books for the New York Times
Please critique this performance
Review
Hold a review (of troops)
Review
Refresh one's memory;
I reviewed the material before the test
Review
Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;
She reviewed her achievements with pride
Review
A retrospective assessment of a performance or product.
The play had mixed Reviews from the audience.
FAQs
Does an Assessment always involve measurement?
Typically, yes. Assessment usually involves measuring or evaluating against set criteria.
Can a Review provide an objective evaluation?
Yes, some Reviews can be objective, especially when using established criteria or standards.
Is an Assessment always formal?
Not always. Assessments can be both formal and informal.
Can the outcome of a Review affect decisions?
Absolutely. Reviews can influence opinions and decisions by providing insights and evaluations.
Can a Review lead to an Assessment?
Yes, a Review can provide insights that may lead to a more formal, structured Assessment.
Can a Review be informal?
Yes, Reviews can be informal, such as those shared among friends or peers.
Is a Review always subjective?
While often subjective, a Review can incorporate objective elements or criteria.
Is the purpose of an Assessment to grade or rank?
Not exclusively. Assessment’s purpose can also be to understand, measure, and improve.
Can a Review be quantifiable?
It can be, especially when it includes ratings or rankings based on specific criteria.
Is Assessment more structured than Review?
Generally, yes. Assessment often involves a structured approach with defined criteria.
Can a Review include an Assessment?
Yes, a Review can include an Assessment
How is Assessment used in education?
In education, Assessment is used to measure students' knowledge, skills, and abilities, often leading to grades or feedback.
Do all Assessments use standard criteria?
Many do, but the criteria can vary depending on the context and the subject of the Assessment.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
