Module 7 1

What do we know about selected- response items? Well constructed selected- response items can target: factual knowledge comprehension analysis synthesis evaluation 2

Parts of a Selected-Response Item Stem 3 What is the perimeter of a rectangular vegetable garden with dimensions 6 feet by 8 feet? A 48 ft B* 28 ft C 24 ft D 14 ft Distractors (Incorrect Options) Correct answer (Key)

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General Guidelines 1. Align Items to a Standard 2. Standards-Stem Alignment 3. Target Appropriate Depth of Knowledge 4. Use clear; concise language 5. Use correct grammar 5

General Guidelines 6. Use appropriate reading level 7. Don’t Assume Prior Knowledge 8. Avoid generalizations 9. Avoid Tricky Items 10. Avoid the use of the word “You” 6

General Guidelines 11. Avoid using synonyms 12. Don’t include superfluous information 13. Avoid unnecessary complexity 14. Remember—Formatting Matters 7

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Two types of Selected-Response Stem  Open-ended and  Closed  Avoid Open-Ended Stems* When possible, a direct question is preferable to an open-ended stem, as it is generally easier to read. *A good ear and professional judgment are called for: 9

Examples: Open-ended stem Closed question stem 10 One of the factors of x 2 – 5x – 36 is ___ A x + 3 B x - 4 C x + 6 D* x - 9 Which of the following is a factor of x 2 – 5x – 36 ? A x + 3 B x - 4 C x + 6 D* x - 9

Guidelines for Writing Stems 1. Stuff the Stem 2. Avoid Redundancy 3. Avoid the use of Negatives 4. Avoid Clues in the Stem 11

Stems with a graphic/stimulus The stem and leaf plot gives the ages of the people who answered survey questions after buying a pair of roller blades on an Internet auction. Lead Stem Leaf Key: 3 2 means 32 What is the median age of the people who answered the survey questions? Question

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Parts of a Selected-Response Item Stem What is the perimeter of a rectangular vegetable garden with dimensions 6 feet by 8 feet? A 48 ft B* 28 ft C 24 ft D 14 ft Distractors (Incorrect Options) Correct answer (Key) 14

Number of Response Options 3 rd grade = 3 Options 1 correct answer 2 distractors 4 th grade and above = 4* Options 1 correct answer 3 distractors * Except if there are fewer plausible answers.

Example: Number of Options Which best describes when squares are rhombuses? a. always b. sometimes c. never

Example: Number of Options Animal cells have a definite shape. a. True b. False

Guidelines for Writing Response Options 1. Use direct, clear terminology 2. Use Plausible Distractors/Foils 3. Use Equal Length and Detail 4. Make all Distractors Equally Attractive 5. Organize the Options 18

Guidelines for Writing Response Options 6. Have only one correct answer 7. Do not use overlapping answers 8. Vary Placement of Option Choices 9. Good Items are Fair Items 10. Avoid using “All of the Above” and “None of the Above” 19

“Discrimination” In testing, “discrimination” is a good thing. Good items correctly discriminate (distinguish) between those who know and those who don’t by making it difficult for those who don’t know to guess the correct answer.