Accession Number:

ADA056614

Title:

Algorithms for Developing Test Questions from Sentences in Instructional Materials.

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept. Jan-Sep 77,

Corporate Author:

OREGON STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION MONMOUTH*

Personal Author(s):

• Roid,Gale H.
• Finn,Patrick

Report Date:

1978-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

30.0

Abstract:

The feasibility of generating multiple-choice test questions by transforming sentences from prose instructional materials was examined. A computer-based algorithm was used to analyze prose subject matter and to identify high-information words. Sentences containing selected words were then transformed into multiple-choice items by four writers who generated foils or question alternatives informally and by an algorithmic method. Items were organized into tests and administered to subjects before and after they had studied instructional materials. Results indicated that this item-writing technique was feasible and that algorithmic methods of generating foils produce items of reasonably good quality. Author

Descriptors:

• *ALGORITHMS
• *INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
• *TEST CONSTRUCTION(PSYCHOLOGY)
• COMPUTER PROGRAMS
• ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
• COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
• TEXT PROCESSING
• GRAMMARS
• INDEX TERMS

Subject Categories:

• Humanities and History
• Psychology
• Statistics and Probability
• Computer Programming and Software

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE