The influence of test format on retention of research concepts and procedures on a final examination was investigated. The test formats studied were multiple choice and short answer. (Author/JKS)

A multiple-choice pretest, given to 113 biology and 58 health education college students, measured their knowledge (before library instruction) of specific information sources required to complete course assignments. Mixed tabulated results show that prior instruction, in a class or tour of the library, did not guarantee higher mean scores. (JD)

A description is given of an experiment on methods of testing, conducted with a mathematics course at University of California - Davis. (PK)

Presents a characteristic curve procedure for comparing transformations of the item response theory ability scale assuming the multiple-choice model. Illustrates the use of the method with an example equating American College Testing mathematics tests. (SLD)

The screening for flaws done for multiple-choice items is often not done for large items. Examines continuous item weighting as a way to manage the influence of differential item functioning (DIF). Data from the College Board Advanced Placement History Test are used to illustrate the method. (SLD)

Describes a statistical procedure that detects cheating by comparing answers for pairs of students using those items on which both made errors. If the number of identical wrong answers is greater than the number expected by chance, cheating is likely. Suggests using procedure to discourage cheating. (KO)

An Angoff method and a frequency estimation equipercentile equating method were compared, using data from three forms of a 200-item multiple-choice certification test. Data requirements are fewer and computational requirements less burdensome for the former than for the latter method. However, results of the two methods are not interchangeable.…

Examines the effect of headings on memory as a function of readers' preexisting knowledge of passage topic. Employs a multiple-choice retention test. Finds that headings facilitate recognition memory by activating schemas and that such organizational effects of headings benefit main-idea information more than detail information. (RS)

A study involving 105 undergraduates assessed the value of testing as a means of increasing, rather than simply monitoring, learning. Results indicate that fill-in-the-blank and items requiring student inferences were more effective, respectively, than multiple-choice tests and verbatim items in furthering student learning. (TJH)

Results of 96 theoretical/empirical studies were reviewed to see if they support a taxonomy of 43 rules for writing multiple-choice test items. The taxonomy is the result of an analysis of 46 textbooks dealing with multiple-choice item writing. For nearly half of the rules, no research was found. (SLD)

The structure and power of certain reading, mathematics, and psychological tests prevent educators from really seeing children and how they think. Furthermore, the curriculum has been corrupted into nothing more than practice for the tests. Adults rarely ask children what their thinking was. This drill-and-kill approach reveals little truth about…

A comprehensive review is given of evidence, with a bearing on the recommendation to avoid use of complex multiple choice (CMC) items. Avoiding Type K items (four primary responses and five secondary choices) seems warranted, but evidence against CMC in general is less clear. (SLD)

Examines the effects of differential item functioning (DIF) between males and females on the June 1996 administration of the Alberta Education Social Studies 30 Diploma Examination. Reveals that the majority of the multiple-choice items did not display DIF when males and females were compared, and only one item was associated with bias. (CMK)

Business students (n=112) who took either an eight-week or 16-week class were compared on grade point average, completion of multiple-choice homework questions, and test scores. Students in the longer class performed better overall and on the test. Those who consistently completed homework performed better regardless of class length. (SK)

Argues for the usefulness of merging experimental and correlational approaches in the study of expository prose comprehension. Reviews studies in recent years. Shows that the correlational approach yields results similar to the experimental literature, and that the vast databanks associated with multiple-choice tests allow exploration of some of…