Business, College of
Date of this Version
5-1-1994
Abstract
Multiple-choice and essay tests are the typical test formats used to measure student understanding of economics in college courses. Each type has its features. A multiple- choice (or fixed-response) format allows for a wider sampling of the content because more questions can be given in a testing period. Multiple-choice tests also offer greater efficiency and reliability in scoring than an essay. The major disadvantage of a multiple-choice item is that the fixed responses tend to emphasize recall and encourage guessing. In an essay (or constructed- response) test, students generate responses that have the potential to show originality and a greater depth of understanding of the topic. The essay also provides a written record for assessing the thought processes of the student.
Despite the claimed differences for each format, little empirical work exists to support the suppositions. If a multiple-choice and an essay test that cover the same material measure the same economic understanding, then the multiple-choice test would be the preferred method for assessment because it is less costly to score and is a more reliable measure of achievement in a limited testing period. If, however, an essay test measures unique aspects of economic understanding, then the extra examinee time and substantial scoring costs may be justified.
Comments
Published in American Economic Review 84:2 (May 1994), pp. 193-196. Copyright © 1994 American Economic Association. Used by permission.