What outcome can be expected if students efficiently skip difficult questions on the PECK?

Skipping difficult questions can lead to improved focus on other questions because it allows students to allocate their time and cognitive resources more effectively. When students encounter challenging questions that may cause them to spend too much time grappling with uncertainty, they can benefit from moving on to questions they find easier. This strategy can lead to answering more questions correctly and ensuring that they cover all items within the time constraints. By focusing on questions they feel more confident about, students can maximize their performance and potentially score higher overall.

The other options suggest negative outcomes, such as increased anxiety levels and decreased overall performance. While these may happen to some students, the focus on easier questions often helps maintain a positive mindset and reduces anxiety. Skipping difficult questions does not necessarily lead to less time for easier ones; instead, it may free up time, allowing students to answer all questions more thoroughly.