Which of the following describes the systematic determination of merit or worth against set criteria?

The term that describes the systematic determination of merit or worth against set criteria is evaluation. Evaluation involves a thorough review and assessment of a subject under consideration, often applying established benchmarks or standards to measure performance, quality, or effectiveness. In various fields, including education and technology, evaluation helps to identify strengths and weaknesses, guiding decision-making and improvement efforts.

While measurement refers specifically to quantifying a particular variable or characteristic, and assessment is broader, encompassing various methods of gathering information (including tests and observations) to inform evaluations, these terms do not capture the full essence of evaluating against predefined criteria. Inspection typically denotes a visual examination or close observation, which may not necessarily include the systematic comparisons based on established criteria that evaluation entails. Therefore, evaluation is the most accurate term reflecting this systematic approach.