• Version
• Download 687
• File Size 2.04 MB
• File Count 1
• Create Date August 2, 2018
• Last Updated August 2, 2018

A three-way classification of sources of item difficulty in tests and examinations

What do test takers mean when they say &#8216,this item is difficult&#8217,? What do test analysts mean when they say &#8216,this item is difficult&#8217,? The answer to the first question comes out of experience. The answer to the second question comes out of empirics. The notion of difficulty covers a considerable diversity of sources, materials and methods. Test analysts seem obliged to collapse all senses of difficulty under one heading and so it might be useful to attempt a classification or typology of some of the possible sources of difficulty in test items.This presentation describes such a system and applies it to test items in multiplechoice and short-response items, in tests that are discipline-specific and in tests of generic skills.

Attached Files