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Objective Tests. Are they objective? What do they test?. Are They Really Objective?. Dugald Arbuckle Story The Changing Nature of Knowledge String Theory and Atoms Are they valid? Are they reliable? Error Readability Distractions Confusing Questions English as a Second Language
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Objective Tests • Are they objective? • What do they test?
Are They Really Objective? • Dugald Arbuckle Story • The Changing Nature of Knowledge • String Theory and Atoms • Are they valid? • Are they reliable? • Error • Readability • Distractions • Confusing Questions • English as a Second Language • Cross-culturally valid?
Given: Tests Aren’t Perfect • But, there are benefits: • More objective than essay tests • Quicker to grade • Can cover a wide range of knowledge quickly • Can assess reliability (and make adjustments to grades as necessary) • Can assess if students are accomplishing rote learning • Can teach to the test (not teach the test)
Multiple Choice Items • Some Pointers: • Have good distracters: Which theorist developed psychoanalysis? • a. Micky Mouse d. Sigmund Freud • b. Micky Mantle e. None of the above • c. Micky Moose Who developed the first comprehensive theory of counseling? a. Sigmund Freud d. Albert Ellis b. Carl Rogers e. Aaron T. Beck c. Carl Jung
Multiple Choice Items • Don’t make “all of the above” the obvious answer: • According to psychoanalysis, the essence of instincts can be detected through: • Dreams • Slips of the tongue • Jokes • All of the above • None of the above
Multple Choice Items • Don’t Make Them Ridiculously Complex (And Use Good Grammar!) A modern day behavioral therapist would encompass all of the following qualities with the exception of: • a. caring f. a and b • b. educative g. c and d • c. directive h. all of the above except “e” • d. subjective i. all of the above except “d” • e. collaborative j. all of the above
Multiple Choice Items • Don’t Make Them Too Easy (you won’t get good item discrimination) Of the following, who is considered to be the founder of psychoanalysis? a. Sigmund Freud b. B. F. Skinner c. Carl Rogers d. George W. Bush
Multiple Choice Items • Don’t Ask Questions that Aren’t Meaningful The most frequently used punishment technique by parents in the U.S. is: a. spanking b. time outs c. overcorrection d. contingent electric stimulation e. social reprimands
Multiple Choice Items • Make the tiem clear and to the point: In person-centered counseling, which is not considered a core condition? a. empathy b. being non-judgmental c. congruence d. unconditional positive regard
Multiple Choice Items • Do the following: • Cover your content area (make it valid) • Make questions clear and to the point (make it reliable) • Have the items discriminate so those who study more get better grades (usually) • Use good grammar • Make up the test and think how students would respond if they were to challenge the items • Allow students to challenge the items • Check the reliability of the test • Make reasonable adjustment to test grades based on reliability • Stand up for what you believe, yet listen to students • Make it fair