The primary characteristic of these studies is collection of data of very high quality. This gives access to data with a level of quality that is rarely seen in educational science research. Another important characteristic of these studies is that they include measurements of students' achievements in areas closely linked to school subjects EKVA uses these data mainly in the study of research questions related to subject didactics.
Development of frameworks, tests and other instruments to measure students' professional competence, their family background, interests, motivation and attitudes is also key to the unit's research. This is research-based development work, where knowledge from test theory is united with practical experiences from test development and experiences from school.
The unit's research projects are of great public interest, and the unit takes on a national responsibility for communicating the findings from the studies to the public and to key stakeholders in education.