Albert C. Oosterhof

Comparative Reliabilities and Difficulties of the Multiple-Choice and True-False Formats

The present study was initiated to investigate the comparability of multiple-choice and true-false item formats when the time necessary to respond to each type of item was equated empirically. Also investigated was the relative difficulty of multiple-choice (MC), true true-false (Tf), and false true-false (tF) items mea suring the same content. Results indicated that true-false items result in a less reliable test than one using a four-option MC format, even when empirically determined differences in time needed to answer the respective formats were taken into account. When scores were corrected for guessing, the MC items were significantly easier than the true-false format.

Creating individualized e-mail to students

PARTICULARLY IN HIGHER EDUCATION, instructors often use e-mail to communication course-related information to students. This use of e-mail is increasing substantially because of instructors’ and students’ greater access to and familiarity with the medium, and also because of the greater involvement of post-secondary institutions in distance learning. Creating e-mail messages to large numbers of students, however, is time consuming when separate messages are written to each student. Sending a common message to all students in a class, for example, using a ListServ, saves time but is inadequate when different information must be conveyed to each student. The present paper describes how to create individualized e-mail messages to students in a way that is both efficient and personalized. These procedures have been used successfully by the author in two courses—a large-enrollment statistics course taught by lecture and a graduate-level course in educational measurement taught through distance learning. The technique combines the mail merge capability of a Windows-based word-processing program with that of an MAPI-compliant e-mail client. Step-by-step directions are provided.

Facilitating Identification of Item BIAS Through Use of Delta Plots

A number of statistical procedures are available for detecting bias in individual test items. A supplementary treatment is proposed which helps identify sources of bias affecting groups of items. Although applicable to other statistical procedures, this treatment is illustrated with the transformed item-difficulty method as applied to an evaluation of a test used to help select applicants to be admitted to an aviation training program.

Producing more interpretable test analyses and reports

An item analysis and test report program is described. Focus has been placed on using statistics and descriptors which are more readily conceptualized by classroom teachers. The FORTRAN program is usable on many microcomputers and larger systems. An accompanying tutorial. assists with the interpretation of output.

Equating Alternate Test Forms with a Microcomputer

A FORTRAN program is described which applies linear procedures within four test equating designs. The program is flexible relative to data type and format. The program is usable on many microcomputers and larger systems.