Algorithms for Developing Test Questions from Sentences in Instructional Materials.

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)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA056614

Entities

People

  • Gale H. Roid
  • Patrick Finn

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Achievement Tests
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Algorithms
  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Biological Sciences
  • Education
  • Human Resources
  • Instructional Materials
  • Lepidoptera
  • Military Research
  • New York
  • Public Policy
  • Students
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Training

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Computational Linguistics
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.