Which technology is used to grade standardized tests and record votes?

Optical mark recognition (OMR) systems are specifically designed to read marked responses on standardized tests and ballots, making them the appropriate choice for grading tests and recording votes. OMR works by detecting the presence or absence of marks in predefined locations on a sheet of paper. This technology processes forms that contain shading or marking in specific areas, which is typical for test answer sheets and voting ballots.

The use of OMR is highly efficient for counting votes or scoring tests quickly and accurately, as it eliminates the need for manual entry, reducing both time and potential human error. It scans the sheets rapidly and translates the marks into data that can be easily analyzed or recorded.

Other technologies mentioned do have their own specific applications but are not suited to this function. For example, speech recognition devices focus on converting spoken language into text, while optical character recognition (OCR) systems are utilized for identifying printed or handwritten text in images, such as scanning documents. Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) is primarily used in the banking industry for reading checks. Thus, OMR stands out due to its targeted design for recognizing specific marks, aligning perfectly with the requirements for standardized tests and voting procedures.