scholarly journals Can multiple-choice questions simulate free-response questions?

Author(s):  
Shih-Yin Lin ◽  
Chandralekha Singh ◽  
N. Sanjay Rebello ◽  
Paula V. Engelhardt ◽  
Chandralekha Singh
2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Haris Ali ◽  
Patrick A. Carr ◽  
Kenneth G. Ruit

Purpose Plausible distractors are important for accurate measurement of knowledge via multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This study demonstrates the impact of higher distractor functioning on validity and reliability of scores obtained on MCQs. Methods Free-response (FR) and MCQ versions of a neurohistology practice exam were given to four cohorts of Year 1 medical students. Consistently non-functioning multiple-choice distractors (<5% selection frequency) were replaced with those developed from incorrect responses on FR version of the items, followed by administration of the revised MCQ version to subsequent two cohorts. Validity was assessed by comparing an index of expected MCQ difficulty with an index of observed MCQ difficulty, while reliability was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha coefficient before and after replacement of consistently non-functioning distractors. Result Pre-intervention, effect size (Cohen’s d) of the difference between mean expected and observed MCQ difficulty indices was noted to be 0.4 – 0.59. Post-intervention, this difference reduced to 0.15 along with an increase in Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of scores obtained on MCQ version of the exam. Conclusion Multiple-choice distractors developed from incorrect responses on free-response version of the items enhance the validity and reliability of scores obtained on MCQs.


Informatica ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-628
Author(s):  
Ali Fahmi ◽  
Cengiz Kahraman

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianne Massoudi ◽  
SzeKee Koh ◽  
Phillip J. Hancock ◽  
Lucia Fung

ABSTRACT In this paper we investigate the effectiveness of an online learning resource for introductory financial accounting students using a suite of online multiple choice questions (MCQ) for summative and formative purposes. We found that the availability and use of an online resource resulted in improved examination performance for those students who actively used the online learning resource. Further, we found a positive relationship between formative MCQ and unit content related to challenging financial accounting concepts. However, better examination performance was also linked to other factors, such as prior academic performance, tutorial participation, and demographics, including gender and attending university as an international student. JEL Classifications: I20; M41.


Author(s):  
Sri G. Thrumurthy ◽  
Tania Samantha De Silva ◽  
Zia Moinuddin ◽  
Stuart Enoch

Specifically designed to help candidates revise for the MRCS exam, this book features 350 Single Best Answer multiple choice questions, covering the whole syllabus. Containing everything candidates need to pass the MRCS Part A SBA section of the exam, it focuses intensively on the application of basic sciences (applied surgical anatomy, physiology, and pathology) to the management of surgical patients. The high level of detail included within the questions and their explanations allows effective self-assessment of knowledge and quick identification of key areas requiring further attention. Varying approaches to Single Best Answer multiple choice questions are used, giving effective exam practice and guidance through revision and exam technique. This includes clinical case questions, 'positively-worded' questions, requiring selection of the most appropriate of relatively correct answers; 'two-step' or 'double-jump' questions, requiring several cognitive steps to arrive at the correct answer; as well as 'factual recall' questions, prompting basic recall of facts.


Author(s):  
Dom Colbert

Specifically written for those preparing for examinations and practitioners in travel medicine, MCQs in Travel Medicine contains over 600 multiple choice questions with detailed explanations which both teach and challenge the reader. Questions are group by topic which is ideal for revision, enabling you to focus on specific areas including adventure travel, travellers' diarrhoea, malaria, sexually transmitted disease, and drugs used in travel medicine. The style and format of the questions mirror the format of the exam questions, and the book includes a self-test to aid revision. This easy-to-read comprehensive book is ideally suited for those in busy day-to-day practices and those preparing for examinations in travel medicine including the Certificate Exam of the International Society of Travel Medicine.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document