We investigated how item formats influence test takers' response tendencies under uncertainty. Adult participants solved content-equivalent math items in three formats: multiple-selection multiple-choice, grid with forced-choice (true-false) options, and grid with non-forced-choice options. Participants showed a greater tendency to commit (rather…

Purpose: This paper aims to examine whether multiple choice questions (MCQs) can be answered correctly without knowing the answer and whether constructed response questions (CRQs) offer more reliable assessment. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a critical review of existing research on MCQs, then reports on an experimental study…

The current study investigated how item formats and their inherent affordances influence test-takers' cognition under uncertainty. Adult participants solved content-equivalent math items in multiple-selection multiple-choice and four alternative grid formats. The results indicated that participants' affirmative response tendency (i.e., judge the…

Background: Within undergraduate science courses, instructors often assess student thinking using closed-ended question formats, such as multiple-choice (MC) and multiple-true-false (MTF), where students provide answers with respect to predetermined response options. While MC and MTF questions both consist of a question stem followed by a series…

There has been a steady interest in investigating the validity of language tests in the last decades. Despite numerous studies on construct validity in language testing, there are not many studies examining the construct validity of a reading test. This paper reports on a study that explored the construct validity of the English reading test in…

Does correctly answering a test question about a multiterm fact enhance memory for the entire fact? We explored that issue in 4 experiments. Subjects first studied Advanced Placement History or Biology facts. Half of those facts were then restudied, whereas the remainder were tested using "5 W" (i.e., "who, what, when, where",…

This paper examines the quality of tests that Hong Kong teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) produce for their own EFL students. The paper examines the effects on graduate teachers of a language testing programme where participants produced objective tests, proceeding through the stages of test specification, moderation, and item…

Reviews research on whether students should change answers or let first answers stand on objective tests. Finds that the odds are over two to one that a student's score will be raised, rather than lowered, if he or she changes answers. Offers three suggestions for improving students' test-taking strategies. (SR)

Counselors and teachers are sometimes asked for advice concerning the advisability of changing a response made to an objective test item. This article examines the current beliefs of students, the advice given in the 'how to' literature, and the effects of changed responses. (Author)

Contrary to popular belief, and in accordance with research over a long period of time, changed answers to objective test items tend to be correct. (MJB)

Presents expert advice on how to write effective tests and offers suggestions for teaching children how to take tests. (JMB)

This study investigated the generality of the negative suggestion effect in objective tests. College students read text passages and took objective tests. Later, they rated statements' validity, including statements from the initial test. Students were more likely to consider objectively false statements true if they had appeared on the earlier…

A study of scores on England's General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations suggested that, compared to females, males perform better on objective tests than they do on other forms of assessment. The fact that nonobjective tests emphasize written communication skills, which tend to be more highly developed in female candidates, may explain…

Three programs to improve test-taking performance were evaluated. Subjects who had failed the Chartered Life Underwriter examination were assigned to four treatments: (1) training in test wiseness; (2) systematic densensitization of test anxiety; (3) a combination of (1) and (2); and (4) control. (Author/CTM)

Investigates the circumstances under which answer changing is beneficial or detrimental to test performance. Analyzes the success of answer changing in relation to the reasons offered for changing. Concludes that students who reported guessing as their reason for changing answers were not nearly as likely to benefit from changing as were students…