Scientific Authenticity of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) for Knowledge Test of Kinesiology and Biomechanics for Undergraduate Students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study evaluates the scientific authenticity of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in kinesiology and biomechanics by analysing their difficulty index, discrimination index, and internal consistency to determine their effectiveness in student assessment. Eighty-one physical education students enrolled in a kinesiology and biomechanics subject in graduation programme at the University of Delhi. Over 20 weeks, students attended lectures followed by multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests, with responses recorded for analysis. Students were divided into high-scoring (n=21) and low-scoring (n=21) groups, and the discrimination index (D) was calculated using the formula D = p_h - p_l. The Split-Half and Odd-Even reliability methods were used to assess internal consistency. The item analysis revealed that 60% of the MCQs were too easy (p > 0.70), 37% were acceptable (p = 0.30–0.70), and 3% were too difficult (p < 0.30). The discrimination index showed that 49% of the items were excellent (D > 0.35), 23% were good (0.25–0.34), 14% were acceptable (0.15–0.24), and 14% required revision (D < 0.15). Cronbach’s Alpha (0.809) confirmed strong internal consistency. Split-half reliability analysis showed a moderate correlation (0.605) between Part A and Part B, but when correlated with the total test score, Part A and Part B had high correlations of 0.892 and 0.900, respectively. Odd-even reliability analysis indicated a 0.780 correlation between odd- and even-numbered questions, increasing to 0.944 and 0.942 when correlated with the total score, reinforcing the test’s reliability. The results indicate that MCQ for kinesiology and biomechanics are a valid and reliable tool for assessing knowledge in kinesiology and biomechanics, demonstrating strong discrimination and internal consistency. The high split-half and odd-even reliability correlations with the total test score validate the assessment’s accuracy. While a more balanced difficulty distribution is needed, the findings highlight the importance of systematic MCQ validation for effective student evaluation. Keywords: Biomechanics, item analysis, kinesiology, MCQ, reliability.The study evaluates the scientific authenticity of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in kinesiology and biomechanics by analysing their difficulty index, discrimination index, and internal consistency to determine their effectiveness in student assessment. Eighty-one physical education students enrolled in a kinesiology and biomechanics subject in graduation programme at the University of Delhi. Over 20 weeks, students attended lectures followed by multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests, with responses recorded for analysis. Students were divided into high-scoring (n=21) and low-scoring (n=21) groups, and the discrimination index (D) was calculated using the formula D = p_h - p_l. The Split-Half and Odd-Even reliability methods were used to assess internal consistency. The item analysis revealed that 60% of the MCQs were too easy (p > 0.70), 37% were acceptable (p = 0.30–0.70), and 3% were too difficult (p < 0.30). The discrimination index showed that 49% of the items were excellent (D > 0.35), 23% were good (0.25–0.34), 14% were acceptable (0.15–0.24), and 14% required revision (D < 0.15). Cronbach’s Alpha (0.809) confirmed strong internal consistency. Split-half reliability analysis showed a moderate correlation (0.605) between Part A and Part B, but when correlated with the total test score, Part A and Part B had high correlations of 0.892 and 0.900, respectively. Odd-even reliability analysis indicated a 0.780 correlation between odd- and even-numbered questions, increasing to 0.944 and 0.942 when correlated with the total score, reinforcing the test’s reliability. The results indicate that MCQ for kinesiology and biomechanics are a valid and reliable tool for assessing knowledge in kinesiology and biomechanics, demonstrating strong discrimination and internal consistency. The high split-half and odd-even reliability correlations with the total test score validate the assessment’s accuracy. While a more balanced difficulty distribution is needed, the findings highlight the importance of systematic MCQ validation for effective student evaluation. Keywords: Biomechanics, item analysis, kinesiology, MCQ, reliability.
Institution: University of Delhi
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408915235