The test scores of college freshmen given both a multiple choice test and an essay test of writing skills were compared to assess the validity of a multiple choice test compared with an essay test. (HOD)

Describes a "gradebook program" capable of recording, editing, recoding, weighting, and scaling multiple choice test scores. (SK)

Distinguishing between two types of test questions, constructed-response (essay/completion) and selected-response (multiple-choice/true-false), the author considers both in relation to the specificity of learning outcomes being tested, the use of criterion or norm-referenced measurement, and the formative or summative nature of the evaluation.…

Commenting on the preceding article, pages 8-13 of this journal issue, the author critiques Mason's assessment of the utility of selected-response and constructed-response test questions. (SJL)

Presents a technical description of Radio Shack's TRS-80 microcomputer system. Storage and memory are discussed, as well as limitations of the system and a sample program for coding and scoring true-false questions is given. (RAO)

Presents a theoretical model that identifies the context in which students experience difficulties with complex multiple choice exams (MCE). Provides a structured approach that facilitates the development of critical thinking and metacognitive skills. Discusses a workshop in which participants reported increased knowledge concerning the process…

The relationship of an expert-system-scored constrained free-response item type to multiple-choice and free-response items was studied using data for 614 students on the College Board's Advanced Placement Computer Science (APCS) Examination. Implications for testing and the APCS test are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses factors that should be considered when designing multiple-choice diagnostic tests for use with microcomputer systems. Item content and characteristics are described, presentation of feedback and results are examined, database management functions are discussed, and benefits for students with learning problems and physically disabled…

Use of multiple-choice achievement tests is critiqued. Multiple-choice tests are considered heavily weighted toward aptitude and ill-suited to assessment of thinking. Psychometric methods for the development of alternatives to this inadequate form of testing achievement are discussed. (TJH)

Development of a methodology for translating a certification examination to another language for a small number of examinees is described. The Spanish translation developed for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners was pilot tested with four candidates. Linguistic and psychometric procedures of the translation are discussed.…

The authors developed competency tests to document students' achievement of essential competencies in food and nutrition classes. Procedures included (1) developing the item pool; (2) determining validity and reliability; and (3) field testing. The study confirmed that it is possible to develop multiple-choice test items for essential competencies…

The summary cloze technique offers an alternative to multiple choice. Summary cloze exercises are prepared by summarizing the content of the original text. The shortened text is transformed into a rational cloze exercise. The learner completes the summary text using the list of choices provided. This technique is a good measure of reading…

The role of practice tests in predictions about test performance on texts was investigated in 3 experiments with a total of 180 college students. Taking a similar practice test did not help students predict their test performance. Practice tests may help students learn information. (SLD)

Effects of expected form and expected difficulty of a test were examined for 84 college students expecting an easy or difficult multiple-choice or essay examination but taking a combined test. Results support the hypothesis that individuals work harder, rather than reduce their effort, when difficult work is expected. (SLD)

Comments that multiple-choice tests are objective, test some knowledge, and are easy to grade, but often ask for little more than rote recall. Offers a structure for multiple-choice questions that require evaluative thinking skills as well as knowledge of the facts. Includes discussion of objectivity, preparation, and memorization. (DK)