ERIC Number: ED230588
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983-Apr
Pages: 18
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Effects of Including Humor in Test Items.
McMorris, Robert F.; And Others
Two 50-item multiple-choice forms of a grammar test were developed differing only in humor being included in 20 items of one form. One hundred twenty-six (126) eighth graders received the test plus alternate forms of a questionnaire. Humor inclusion did not affect grammar scores on matched humorous/nonhumorous items nor on common post-treatment items, nor affect anxiety. Students favored humor inclusion on tests, judged effects of humor positively, and estimated humorous items to be easier. Humor did not lower performance but was sought by the students. Potential for more valid and humane measurement is discussed. (Author)
Descriptors: Grade 8, Grammar, Humor, Junior High Schools, Multiple Choice Tests, Questionnaires, Scores, Test Anxiety, Test Construction, Test Format, Test Items
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Iowa Tests of Basic Skills
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A