A study investigated whether preassessments of general and specific knowledge can predict children's listening comprehension. Topical knowledge, assessed by multiple-choice questions, did predict story comprehension; topical interest, however, did not correlate either with topical knowledge or comprehension. (Authors/PP)

For this study, high school students studied a brief history text and then: (1) answered a short-answer test; (2) answered a multiple-choice test; or (3) completed a questionnaire about study habits. Results concerning the effectiveness of these procedures on retention of material are discussed. (Authors/CJ)

Some practical tips for college students on how to succeed in getting good grades are provided. Different strategies for taking multiple choice and essay tests, and hints on how to write term papers are discussed. (MLW)

A computer-assisted exercise consisting of a case history of an asthmatic patient and a series of multiple-choice questions that forced the student to reanswer until reaching the correct response enable students to practice using clinical information, follow treatment steps, and have feedback on their treatment choices. (Author/MSE)

Medical and dental students were administered two short confidence-scored tests on cellular and molecular biology. Increases in test reliability and predictive validity were found when test scores were adjusted for realism, but were not statistically significant. (Author/MH)

A survey to obtain a sample of representative opinions on tests and testing in the public schools is reported. Three categories of respondents (teacher union representatives, teacher trainers, legislators) indicate that teachers' attitudes toward standardized tests should be changed. (MLW)

This article discusses an experiment carried out with university English as foreign language students to test the validity of multiple choice examinations for reading comprehension. (CFM)

Widespread support for the National Forum on Assessment's 1995 "Principles and Indicators" shows deep desire for a radical reconstruction of student assessment practices. Assessment to enhance student learning should rest on certain foundations: an understanding of how student learning occurs; clear statements of desired, universal…

A discussion of alternative evaluation techniques looks at tests that college students retake at home immediately after completing in class; exams requiring thoughtful application; group multiple-choice tests; paired testing; answer justification; a variety of take-home exams; immediate feedback; cost/benefit testing; retesting; and reaction or…

Assumptions of a servocontrol model of test item feedback were tested in a study of 94 junior and senior high school students receiving feedback or no feedback with 2 retention intervals. Results support the assumption that response certitude is related to the learner's ability to comprehend a given item. (SLD)

The process proposed for the development and use of computer-based testing, including simulation and multiple-choice questions, as part of the National Board of Medical Examiners' certification sequence is outlined. Summary reports of first-phase pilot testing in six medical schools are appended. (MSE)

Presents a discussion of trying to best account for the variation resulting from guessing on a multiple-choice exam. A mathematical process is given to determine the amount of variance that could be added or subtracted from a student's score to account for guessing. Examples are provided. (MVL)

Describes how multiple-choice items can be designed and used as an effective diagnostic tool by avoiding their pitfalls and by taking advantage of their potential benefits. The following issues are discussed: correct' versus best answers; construction of diagnostic multiple-choice items; the problem of guessing; the use of justifications of…

Describes a case study to determine whether performance tests are a feasible alternative to multiple-choice tests. Examines the difficulties of administering and scoring performance assessments. Explains that the study employed three performance tests and one multiple-choice test. Concludes that performance test administration and scoring was no…

Results from the Australian Mathematics Competition for 1988 and 1989 (n=309,443 and n=331,660) were analyzed on three statistical measures to determine risk-taking tendencies by groups of students classified by gender, school year, and achievement level. Results showed statistically significant differences for gender but varied depending on the…