Determining the Optimal Number of Alternatives to a Multiple-Choice Test Item: An Information Theoretic Perspective.

Bruno, James E.; Dirkzwager, A.

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Peer reviewed

ERIC Number: EJ519164

Record Type: CIJE

Publication Date: 1995

Pages: N/A

Abstractor: N/A

ISBN: N/A

ISSN: ISSN-0013-1644

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Determining the Optimal Number of Alternatives to a Multiple-Choice Test Item: An Information Theoretic Perspective.

Bruno, James E.; Dirkzwager, A.

Educational and Psychological Measurement, v55 n6 p959-66 Dec 1995

Determining the optimal number of choices on a multiple-choice test is explored analytically from an information theory perspective. The analysis revealed that, in general, three choices seem optimal. This finding is in agreement with previous statistical and psychometric research. (SLD)

Descriptors: Distractors (Tests), Information Theory, Multiple Choice Tests, Psychometrics, Statistical Analysis, Test Construction, Test Format, Test Items, Test Theory

Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Journal Articles

Education Level: N/A

Audience: N/A

Language: English

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Authoring Institution: N/A

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Author Affiliations: N/A