Achievement test reliability as a function of ability was determined for multiple sections of a large university French class (n=193). A 5-option multiple-choice examination was constructed, least attractive distractors were eliminated based on the instructor's judgment, and the resulting three forms of the examination (i.e. 3-, 4-, or 5-choice…

The suggestion that multiple-choice items can be converted to true-false items without essentially changing what the item measures and with possible improvement in efficiency is investigated. Each of the 90 four-choice items in a natural science test was rewritten into a pair of true-false items, one true, one false. The resulting 180 items were…

The present study was concerned with several currently unanswered questions, two of which are: what is an empirically determined ratio of multiple choice to equivalent true-false items which can be answered in a given amount of time?; and for achievement test items administered within a classroom situation, which of the two formats under…

The reliability and validity of multiple choice test scores resutling from empirical choice-weighting of alternatives was examined under two conditions: (1) examinees were told not to guess unless choices could be eliminated; and (2) examinees were told the total score would be the total number correct. Results favored the choice-weighting…

The answer-until-correct (AUC) procedure requires that examinees respond to a multi-choice item until they answer it correctly. Using a modified version of Horst's model for examinee behavior, this paper compares the effect of guessing on item reliability for the AUC procedure and the zero-one scoring procedure. (Author/CTM)

The relative efficiency and cost-effectiveness of three methods of producing and administering a worksample simulation test of interpersonal communication competence employing a multiple choice response format is explored. (Author/JKS)

A scoring technique for true-false tests is presented. The technique, paired item scoring, involves combining two statements and having the student select one of the four resultants possible: true-true, false-true, true-false, and false-false. The combined item is treated as a multiple choice item. (Author/JKS)

Investigated the effect on student performance of changes in question structure and sequence on a GCE 0-level multiple-choice chemistry test. One finding noted is that there was virtually no change in test reliability on reducing the number of options (from five to per test item). (JN)

Item writing is a major responsibility of trainers. Too often, qualified staff who prepare lessons carefully and teach conscientiously use inadequate tests that do not validly reflect the true level of trainee achievement. This monograph describes techniques for constructing multiple-choice items that measure student performance accurately. It…

The purpose of this study was to gather empirical evidence to compare the reliabilities and concurrent validities of multiple choice and true-false tests that were written to measure understandings and relationships in the same content areas. (Author)

Study was an attempt to evaluate the West African Examinations Council efforts in terms of the extent to which its marking procedures have ensured high reader reliability for the English Language Essay examination, a test which was designed to measure writing ability. (Author)

A comparison of double as opposed to single multiple-choice questions yielded significant differences in regard to item difficulty, item discrimination, and internal reliability, but not concurrent validity. (Author/PN)

Nonrestricted-answer, multiple-choice test items are recommended as a way of including more facts and fewer incorrect answers in test items, and they do not cue successful guessing as restricted multiple choice items can. Examination construction, scoring, and reliability are discussed. (MSE)

Achievement test reliability and validity as a function of ability were determined for multiple sections of a large undergraduate French class. Results did not support previous arguments that decreasing the number of options results in a more efficient test for high-level examinees, but less efficient for low-level examinees. (Author/GK)