Multiple ChoiceItems Southeastern Louisiana University多项选择题路易斯安那东南大学.docxVIP

Multiple Choice ItemsThe Item: A multiple choice test item contains two major parts. One is the stem which presents the problem. The stem may be a direct question or it may be an incomplete sentence.The second part of a multiple choice test item is composed of the several alternatives or options which are presented as possible solutions to the problem presented in the stem. Among these options are the correct answer and several incorrect answers(i.e., foils, options or distractors). The number of options in this part of the item may vary, but experience suggests that four options work effectively in most testing situations.Examples of the two forms for a multiple choice test item follow.Question FormWhich of the following cities is the capitol of Louisiana?A) Alexandria (foil)B) Baton Rouge (correct)C) New Orleans (foil)D) Shreveport (foil)Completion FormThe capitol of Louisiana is .A) Alexandria (foil)B) Baton Rouge (correct)C) New Orleans (foil)D) Shreveport (foil)Multiple choice items can consist of options containing a correct or best answer. Examples of these two types follow.Correct OptionGasoline trucks have chains that are dragged on the ground to ?A) prevent static electricity from striking the truckB) give the truck an electric chargeC) carry electricity to the groundBest OptionWhy does the planet Mercury have a year of 88 Earth days?A) Mercury’s year is shorter than Earth’s.B) Mercury’s orbit is closer to the sun than is Earth’s.C) Mercury’s small size and elliptical orbit make it travel faster than Earth.In the first example, the student must locate the one correct answer. All of the distracters except A are definitely incorrect. In the second example, Option A is true, but it is not the best alternative because it fails to answer the question posed by the item. Option C is true in part, but does not explain the orbital speed as well as Option B.The Item Stem. The purpose of the stem is to present a clear and concise p