Although the "Don't Know" (DK) option has received telling criticism in maximum performance summative tests, its potential use in formative evaluation was considered and judged to be more promising. The pretest of an instructional module was administered with DK options. Examinees were then required to answer each question to which they had…

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)

Among techniques which can be used by foreign language teachers to help learners use multiple-choice tests (after reading a text) to become better readers are: have students attempt to answer questions before reading the text; rearrange the order of the questions; and have students make up multiple choice questions. (CB)

Results of the study indicate that the 3-choice, selected-response tests often utilized in programs of this type do not provide an accurate indication of end-of-year achievement for many children, and their continued use is not recommended. (Authors)

Principles for ensuring effective use of semantic webbing in meeting study skill needs of students with learning problems are noted. Important study skills are listed, along with suggested semantic web topics for which subordinate ideas may be developed. Two semantic webs are presented, illustrating the study skills of multiple choice test-taking…

When multiple-choice answer sheets are printed in the latent-image format, students may be required to select alternatives until they identify the correct one. This provides immediate feedback and permits use of more complicated test formats, but it also introduces novel ways to cheat and may engender substantial anxiety in test-takers unless…

Examines the strategies used in answering a computerized multiple-choice test where all questions on a semantic topic were grouped together or randomly distributed. Findings indicate that students grouped by performance on the test used different strategies in completing the test due to distinct cognitive processes between the groups. (AEF)

This was a replicative study that was initiated with a journeyman level certification instrument for an international union, when industry monitors were observed suggesting to examinees to "go with your first response." The question arose whether this was a researched-based practice. If not, wouldn't this practice inject constant error…

The quality of mathematics multiple choice items and their susceptibility to test wiseness were examined. Test wiseness was defined as "a subject's capacity to utilize the characteristics and formats of the test and/or test taking situation to receive a high score." The study used results of the Graduate Record Examinations Aptitude Test (GRE) and…

In order to permit teachers to tailor their instruction in the introduction of the SPPED Multiple Choice Cloze to their students, this training manual provides a package of lesson plans and materials developed by the System for Pupil and Program Evaluation and Development (SPPED). The materials include Student Guides for grade 1, grades 2-3,…

Discusses student evaluation in foreign-language courses and argues that passing a multiple-choice test should not be a course objective. Suggests that achieving such an objective does not ensure that students understand the topic or that they will use their new knowledge in new situations, nor that they know how to analyze to the appropriate…

This study examined the predictive power of self-regulated strategies and test-taking motivation on achievement performances under consequential and non-consequential test conditions. Sixty-two undergraduate students were asked to take two parallel classroom tests: one that counted towards their class grade (consequential) and one that did not…

This book is directed toward all persons taking tests and examinations at school, for a new job, for college or university entrance, or for promotion. Topics discussed include: things students should ask themselves before taking a test, the difference between tests and examinations, ways of feeling good about a test or examination, tactics and…

This guide was developed to help students learn how to study. Suggestions are given for when to study, where to study, what to study, and how to study. The need to understand assignments and to turn in homework assignments on time is emphasized. Use of the library is explained, and suggestions for taking and using good notes are given. Ways to…

The effectiveness of a strategy for improving performance on multiple-choice items for examinees was assessed using an aptitude-treatment interaction model. Results showed that for low-anxious examinees, generation of an answer before selecting a response led to higher performance, but not for highly anxious examinees. (Author/JAZ)