Are they objective? What do they test?

1

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?

2

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)

3

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 Ellisb. Carl Rogers e. Aaron T. Beckc. Carl Jung

4

Don’t make “all of the above” the obvious answer:

According to psychoanalysis, the essence of instincts can be detected through:

a. Dreamsb. Slips of the tonguec. Jokesd. All of the abovee. None of the above

5

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

6

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 Freudb. B. F. Skinnerc. Carl Rogersd. George W. Bush

7

Don’t Ask Questions that Aren’t Meaningful

The most frequently used punishment technique by parents in the U.S. is:

a. spankingb. time outsc. overcorrectiond. contingent electric stimulatione. social reprimands

8

Make the tiem clear and to the point:

In person-centered counseling, which is not considered a core condition?

a. empathyb. being non-judgmentalc. congruenced. unconditional positive regard

9

Do the following:1. Cover your content area (make it valid)2. Make questions clear and to the point (make it

reliable)3. Have the items discriminate so those who study

more get better grades (usually)4. Use good grammar5. Make up the test and think how students would

respond if they were to challenge the items6. Allow students to challenge the items7. Check the reliability of the test8. Make reasonable adjustment to test grades based on

reliability9. Stand up for what you believe, yet listen to students10.Make it fair

10