Are Multiple-choice Items Too Fat?

Abstract

The evidence is mounting regarding the guidance to employ more three-option multiple-choice items. From theoretical analyses, empirical results, and practical considerations, such items are of equal or higher quality than four- or five-option items, and more items can be administered to improve content coverage. This study looks at 58 tests, including state achievement, college readiness, and credentialing tests. The evidence here supports previous assertions. The article also clarifies distractor functioning criteria and offers a typology of items via distractor functioning.

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