Work

Quantitatively ranking incorrect responses to multiple-choice questions using item response theory

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Research-based assessment instruments (RBAIs) are ubiquitous throughout both physics instruction and physics education research.The vast majority of analyses involving student responses to RBAI questions have focused on whether or not a student selects correct answers and using correctness to measure growth.This approach often undervalues the rich information that may be obtained by examining students' particular choices of incorrect answers.In the present study, we aim to reveal some of this valuable information by quantitatively determining the relative correctness of various incorrect responses.To accomplish this, we propose an assumption that allows us to define relative correctness: students who have a high understanding of Newtonian physics are likely to answer more questions correctly and also more likely to choose better incorrect responses than students who have a low understanding.Analyses using item response theory align with this assumption, and Bock's nominal response model allows us to uniquely rank each incorrect response.We present results from over 7000 students' responses to the Force and Motion Conceptual Evaluation.

Source: Physical Review Physics Education Research

Authors: Trevor I. Smith, Kyle J. Louis, Bartholomew J. Ricci, Nasrine Bendjilali

Institution: Rowan University

Language: English

Topic: Science Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000

Funder: National Science Foundation