The use of a cloze procedure to test reading comprehension in the foreign language learning situation is considered. A modification is proposed: to combine the cloze procedure with the multiple choice test thereby avoiding the need for language production and creating an element of control and flexibility. (SCC)

The performance of 132 pre- and primary school children on a Bender-Gestalt copying task was compared with that of a multiple choice version. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between the copying and recognition scores. The multiple choice version was also as successful as the copying test in predicting reading achievement scores.…

While reading a passage, college students expecting an essay examination took notes on sentences of higher structural importance than those anticipating a multiple choice test. Note taking seemed to serve as both an encoding device and as an external storage mechanism, with the latter being the more important function. (Author/BW)

Binary, probability, and ordinal scoring procedures for multiple-choice items were examined. In two situations, it was found that both the probability and ordinal scoring systems were more reliable than the binary scoring method. (Author/CTM)

This research examines the effects of test format on achievement-test performances of Black children. Multiple-choice test items containing distractors (e.g., all correct, all incorrect) penalize Black children, since distractors appear to serve as blocking agents. The results also suggest that distractors encourage guessing. (Author/DOW)

Advantages and disadvantages of no-penalty and penalty marking systems are discussed. Ways in which examiners have attempted to correct for guessing by students are reviewed, along with the use of "don't know" options and confidence-weighting for attempting to assess the degree of certainty that candidates attach to their answers. (Author/LBH)

Some of the merits and pitfalls of multiple choice examinations are outlined and ways of increasing reliability and feedback information are summarized. Included are discussions of basic format, examples of poor design, examples of augmentation, and feedback from computerized grading. (LBH)

Comments upon objective test items which evaluate history students' analytical and interpretive skills. Concludes that properly constructed multiple choice test items go beyond testing for rote memorization of content. (Author/DB)

Reviews some of the ways researchers estimate readability with a focus on multiple choice test items in science. Presents criteria to consider for minimizing readability problems in test items. Examines samples from the National Assessment of Educational Progress test bank for readability. (ML)

Qualitative evidence for the operation of partial knowledge is given by two findings. First, performance when second and subsequent choices are made is above the chance level. Second, it is positively related to first choice performance. A number of theories incorporating partial knowledge are compared quantitatively. (Author/LMO)

Reviews the Test of Practical Knowledge, a multiple choice test of "functional competency," noting that the test's task requirements are confounded by such factors as intelligence, achievement, social knowledge, and reading ability. (HOD)

Ninety-seven fifth graders took a multiple-choice test with factual and guess questions after reading a 900-word text. The effects of immediate informative feedback, delayed feedback, or no feedback on their performance on a delayed retention tests were analyzed. Results suggested that awareness of initial errors was helpful. (Author/BS)

Discusses a test given to a group of elementary school students of English as a second language. The purpose of the test was to measure developmental errors, that is, errors which reflect a learner's competence at a given stage, and to illustrate some of the general characteristics of language acquisition. (SED)

The effects of violating four item construction principles were examined to assess the validity of the principles and the importance of students' test wiseness. While flawed items were significantly less difficult than sound items, differences in item discrimination, test reliability, and concurrent validity were not observed. (Author/BW)

Three groups of students were tested on the same material in three different forms of examination. They performed better in multiple-choice and in cued essay questions than in uncued essay questions. (Author/LBH)