Provides guidelines for writing multiple-choice tests and ways to evaluate the quality of test items. (SK)

In Guttman-type quantification of contingency tables and multiple-choice data (incidence data), the trivial solution because of marginal constraints is typically removed before quantification. Relevant formulas are presented for cases affected by the trivial solution and those that are not. (SLD)

Suggests that a modification of traditional linking is necessary when tests consist of constructed response items judged by raters and a possibility of year-to-year variation in rating discrimination and severity exists. Illustrates this situation with an artificial example. (SLD)

Presents a study involving three sections of pre-calculus (n=181) at four-year college where partial credit scoring on multiple-choice questions was examined over an entire semester. Indicates that grades determined by partial credit scoring seemed more reflective of both the quantity and quality of student knowledge than grades determined by…

Describes the technique of linked multiple choice, a hybrid of open-ended and multiple-choice formats. Explains how it combines the testing power of free-response questions with the efficient grading of multiple choice. (SK)

Compared a standard multiple choice exam format with two modified formats which provide instructors with information on students' risk preferences (students answer questions twice) and confidence in their answers (students assign a point value to questions). Found that while the alternatives offer increased choice to students and low-cost…

Studied the error associated with a proposed linking method for tests consisting of both constructed response and multiple choice items through a simulation study varying several factors. Results support the use of the proposed linking method. Also illustrated possible linking bias resulting from use of the traditional linking method and the use…

Multiple-choice items are a mainstay of achievement testing. The need to adequately cover the content domain to certify achievement proficiency by producing meaningful precise scores requires many high-quality items. More 3-option items can be administered than 4- or 5-option items per testing time while improving content coverage, without…

Auditory comprehension is commonly measured with multiple choice tasks. The sensitivity of these tasks in identifying deficits, however, is limited by credit given for correct guesses by forced choice. In this study, we compare performance on the multiple choice task to an alternative word/picture verification task, in 122 subjects with acute left…

The negative effects of false information presented either prior to (proactive interference; PI) or following (retroactive interference; RI) true information was examined with word definitions (Experiment 1) and trivia facts (Experiment 2). Participants were explicitly aware of which information was true and false when shown, and true-false…

This study investigated the relative frequency of seven TW strategies among Iranian EFL students to find out probable relationship(s) between test-wiseness, proficiency and gender. To do so, out of 138 participants, a total number of 80 undergraduate EFL students from Shahid Chamran University were chosen and divided on the basis of their…

This study assessed the influence of using mind maps as a learning tool on eighth graders' science achievement, whether such influence was mediated by students' prior scholastic achievement, and the relationship between students' mind maps and their conceptual understandings. Sixty-two students enrolled in four intact sections of a grade 8 science…

This study examined the influences of reading decoding skills and world knowledge on third graders' comprehension of narrative and expository texts. Children read a narrative text and an expository text. Comprehension of each text was assessed with a free recall prompt, three cued recall prompts, and 12 multiple-choice questions. Tests from the…

Previous studies have indicated that A-level students in the UK and Singapore have difficulty learning the topic of ionisation energy. A two-tier multiple-choice instrument developed in Singapore in an earlier study, the Ionisation Energy Diagnostic Instrument, was administered to A-level students in the UK, advanced placement high school students…

Over the last decade, larger student numbers, reduced resources and increasing use of new technologies have led to the increased use of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as a method of assessment in higher education courses. This paper identifies some limitations associated with MCQs from a pedagogical standpoint. It then provides an assessment…