A Note on Multiple Choice Exams, with Respect to Students' Risk Preference and Confidence

Authors: Walker D. M.; Thompson J. S.

Source: Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, Volume 26, Number 3, 1 June 2001 , pp. 261-267(7)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

A standard multiple-choice exam format is compared with two modified regimes which provide instructors with information on students' risk preferences (with respect to score and uncertainty) and students' confidence in their answers. In one format, students answer each question twice. This format provides information on students' risk preference. The other exam format allows students to assign a point value to the questions. The point values they choose are clear signals of their relative confidence in their answers. Both alternative exam formats have advantages to students (increased choice) and faculty (low-cost information), while they do not have a significant effect on exam scores.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

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