ERIC Number: EJ1075133
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1925-4741
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Multiple-Choice Testing Using Immediate Feedback--Assessment Technique (IF AT®) Forms: Second-Chance Guessing vs. Second-Chance Learning?
Merrel, Jeremy D.; Cirillo, Pier F.; Schwartz, Pauline M.; Webb, Jeffrey A.
Higher Education Studies, v5 n5 p50-55 2015
Multiple choice testing is a common but often ineffective method for evaluating learning. A newer approach, however, using Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique (IF AT®, Epstein Educational Enterprise, Inc.) forms, offers several advantages. In particular, a student learns immediately if his or her answer is correct and, in the case of an incorrect answer, has an opportunity to provide a second response and receive partial credit for a correct second attempt. For a multiple choice question with five possible answers, the IF AT® form covers spaces labeled A through E with a thin opaque film; when the film is scratched away, a star indicates the correct answer. This study was conducted in order to assess learning after an initial incorrect answer. Based on random chance, students should have mathematically a 25% chance of guessing a correct second answer (i.e. 1 of 4 remaining answers on the IF AT® form). Analysis of second responses for 8775 questions on IF AT® forms in 22 classes over 3 years showed that the percent of correct second answers was 44.9%, significantly higher than one might expect from random guessing. This indicates that students learned from an incorrect answer and, possibly by re-reading the problem, were able to demonstrate some level of mastery of the material. This data leads us to conclude that IF AT® forms are useful assessment tools.
Descriptors: Multiple Choice Tests, Feedback (Response), Evaluation Methods, Guessing (Tests), Error Correction, Learning Strategies, Scoring Formulas, Accuracy, Educational Practices, Educational Strategies, Testing, Achievement Gains, Achievement Rating, Answer Sheets, Answer Keys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
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Language: English
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