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Scoring Multiple Choice Tests

Modified on: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:05 AM

Introduction

Multiple-choice tests are a popular method of providing reliable and valid measures of achievement in many courses on campus. In recent years, their usage has increased as class sizes have grown, making other measures of achievement practically infeasible.

Test Scoring and Questionnaire Services (TSQS) uses Optical Mark Reader (OMR) technology to capture and score responses on appropriate OMR forms and, then, offers a comprehensive array of analysis and reporting procedures.

This article will describe the services offered for test scoring as well as an overview of the test scoring process and the programs available for scoring multiple choice tests.

 

Applicability

This article was written for instructors and support staff at the University of Alberta.

 


Details

 

Services offered for test scoring

Optical Mark Reading (OMR) is accurate and efficient and results are delivered in a maximum 24-hour turn-around on weekdays. They may include:

  • raw scores printed on each answer sheet
  • class lists with names, id numbers and scores
  • comprehensive item analysis reports
  • comma-delimited results files suitable for opening in Excel or uploading to eClass
  • merging results from alternate forms of a test into a single report
  • combining (weighted) scores from sub-sections of a test into a single score
  • formula (right minus wrong) scoring
  • rescaling scores to percentages or other totals, or to specified means and standard deviations
  • reports of right and wrong answers given by each student, and more.

 

An overview of the steps involved in the test scoring process

  1. Select the scoring option (see below).
  2. Select the appropriate answer sheet for your test (Answer sheet style 1 / Answer sheet style 2.)
  3. Obtain answer sheets. The University of Alberta Bookstore has answer sheets available for purchase if more than 100 are required. Otherwise, you can get them from the TSQS office in 240 GSB (General Services Building).
  4. Fill-in the answer sheet key.
  5. After your test is completed, gather the students answer sheets, making sure that all the answer sheets are included.
  6. Complete a Request for Service form. (This form is available here.) 
  7. Send a printed copy of Request for service form, along with the key, and students' answer sheets to the TSQS office at 240 GSB.
  8. After TSQS has processed your exam, you will receive an email including: Class list, Item Analysis, and any other files requested. (Outputs from scanning.)
  9. Exam scores will be ready for pickup or can be sent by campus mail to your office.
 

Options for Scoring

Two generalized programs are available for scoring instructor-developed multiple choice tests.

  • GPSCOR (General Purpose Scoring Program) is used for scoring tests when students are expected to respond with only one answer per question.
    • For more information on GPSCOR, please see: KB0012142
  • MRSCOR (Multiple Response Scoring Program) is provided for situations where students are allowed or expected to respond with more than one answer per question.
    • For more information on MRSCOR, please see: KB0012141

Each of these programs may be used to score tests when the students' responses have been recorded on one of the three types of General Purpose Answer Sheets that are stocked on campus.

 

 

 

 


Keywords: TSQS, Test, Scoring, Multiple Choice, services, options, overview, how does it work
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