In general, faults did make the items easier, with the largest effects occurring for cue and grammar contaminations. (Authors)

Two studies examined the extent to which test takers use plausibility as a method for locating correct responses when guessing and the extent to which scores can be improved by teaching test takers this approach. Results confirm that this aspect of multiple choice items merits further consideration by test constructors. (Author/BW)

Corrected-for-guessing scores on multiple-choice tests depend upon the ability and willingness of examinees to guess when they have some basis for answering, and to avoid guessing when they have no basis. The present study determined the extent to which college students were able and willing to comply with formula-scoring directions. (Author/CTM)

A study of 26 college seniors used introspective and retrospective interviewing to assess cognitive processes used during multiple-choice reading comprehension tests. Categories of processing identified included an overall approach to the test task, reading strategies, and test-taking strategies. (TJH)