Suggestions for the Construction of Multiple-Choice Test Items

Abstract

IN WRITING items in a particular area it is possible, but not very profitable, to use the inspiration technique. One reads until he is inspired to write an item, jots it down, and then reads some more.Those concepts that fall readily into item form get tested over and over again; those more difficult to test go untested. This procedure is likely to result, among other things, in very spotty coverage of the subject-matter area. In writing items, as in other activities, planning is essential.The present paper presents three work tools for the construction of multiple-choice items: definition of the subjectmatter area to be covered and systematic sampling of it; a check list of the kinds of questions which can be asked; and a summary of criteria for multiple-choice items.Although these materials were developed for use in examining for public personnel selection, they are applicable, with minor changes, in the other fields of test construction.To cover a subject-matter area adequately, whether in educational testing, merit system examining, or aptitude testing, the first step should be a definition of the area or areas to be tested. Even in a limited field, all possible questions cannot be asked; it is necessary to resort to a sampling of the field. If, however, the individual's performance on the sample is to represent his performance in the entire field, it is a truism that the sample must represent the field; the sample to be representative cannot be left to chance, but should be planned.