On MC tests I always allow the students to choose not to answer and to write their understanding of the issue and/or the question for partial or even full credit. Although only a few take that option on a few items, they definitely like having it available. I often give full credit for their written answer, although sometimes they pick the right answer (they often choose one anyways even though the instructions are to leave it blank), and then write reasons for the answer that show a complete misunderstanding of the material. I give them full credit in that situation because they would get credit for lucky shear guessing on the usual multiple choice items. I wouldn't want to penalize them for explaining themselves incorrectly (but I do want to).
You can't grade these tests with a scantron, though. I regularly use MC tests among other modes of evaluation even though there might be evidence that they are not a good incentive to proper studying. Students have to develop skills with these tests if we want them to do well on GRE's, MCAT's, LSAT's, and professional licensing tests looming in their future. Bill Scott >>> "Shearon, Tim" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 03/15/08 2:28 PM >>> "I out-thought myself" Annette- That's the fundamental mistake for taking multiple choice tests! :) (Another way to say, we've all done that!) I agree with you that the item isn't great. But it is one of those kinds of items that I use a few of with the additional instruction, "Pick the best answer and below the question explain why it is best." Students hate it the first time but actually grow to like it (generally!) and several have said it helps them perform better on MC tests. Tim _______________________________ Timothy O. Shearon, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Psychology The College of Idaho Caldwell, ID 83605 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] teaching: intro to neuropsychology; psychopharmacology; general; history and systems "You can't teach an old dogma new tricks." Dorothy Parker --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
