ERIC Number: EJ1229751
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0895-7347
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Are Multiple-Choice Items Too Fat?
Haladyna, Thomas M.; Rodriguez, Michael C.; Stevens, Craig
Applied Measurement in Education, v32 n4 p350-364 2019
The evidence is mounting regarding the guidance to employ more three-option multiple-choice items. From theoretical analyses, empirical results, and practical considerations, such items are of equal or higher quality than four- or five-option items, and more items can be administered to improve content coverage. This study looks at 58 tests, including state achievement, college readiness, and credentialing tests. The evidence here supports previous assertions. The article also clarifies distractor functioning criteria and offers a typology of items via distractor functioning.
Descriptors: Multiple Choice Tests, Test Items, Testing Problems, Guessing (Tests), Testing, Evaluation Criteria, Achievement Tests, College Entrance Examinations, Licensing Examinations (Professions)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A