Alternative physics examination questions: Identification and explanation of different discriminating powers

Authors

Patricia Forster, Edith Cowan University

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

Springer

Faculty

Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences

School

School of Education

RAS ID

3919

Comments

Forster, P. A. (2005). Alternative physics examination questions: identification and explanation of different discriminating powers. Research in Science Education, 35(4), 395-423. Available here

Abstract

The issue of unfairness arises in high-stakes public examinations when students choose questions from alternatives that are offered and marks on the alternatives turn out to be discrepant. This paper addresses and defines unfairness and discrepancy in the context of alternative questions in Physics Tertiary Entrance Examinations (TEE) in Western Australia. As well, I present an analysis of question characteristics that explain observed marks-differences. The characteristics mainly relate to the construction of the text of questions, the detail on diagrams, and requirements for calculation. The list of characteristics could inform the setting of compulsory as well as alternative examination questions. The paper includes a brief exploration of results by gender on the alternative Physics TEE questions.

DOI

10.1007/s11165-004-5601-9