Intro to Selective Response Tests

Hello and Welcome to Deb and Kathy’s Blog Spot. Our assignment is to summarize for you Chapter 6 in Popham’s book on “Selected Response Tests.” We have some very exciting information for you.

There are 4 types of Selected Response Tests

1. Binary-Choice items
2. Multiple Binary-Choice items
3. Multiple Choice Items
4. Matching Items

Deb will explain binary-choice and multiple-binary choice, and Kathy will touch on multiple choice and matching items. We will each post a few times so our posts are not so long and cumbersome.

Here are a few cardinal rules for teachers who are using “Selected-Response Tests:

1. No Opaque Directions:
Sometimes a teacher knows the test so well they fail to give clear and concise directions. “Sketchy” directions can lead to unclear directions and can confuse the students. Teachers should make sure they create clear directions early in the game.

2. No Ambiguous Statements:
This simply means that if the students are not sure what you mean and misinterpret what the question is saying they may come up with an incorrect answer even though they know the right answer. You must put yourself in the shoes of your students to make sure your questions are not confusing.

3. No Unintended Clues:
This is a tough one, but make sure that you don’t develop a poor test by giving unintentional clues. An example of this would be to make all of your “true” statements longer than your “false” statements, or using “never” or “always” in a true/false question. Most students know that there are no absolutes and will select false. They can get the answer right even if they don't have the knowledge.

4. No Complex Syntax: Use very simple sentences. Difficult sentences can really mess up a test for students. 5. No Difficult Vocabulary: Use vocabulary suitable for the students who are taking the test. Simple vocabulary is a key to an accurate test.

Read other posts for more information on different types of selected-response items!