Using Excel to Analyze Multiple-Choice Items – Simple Ways to Improve a Test

Abstract

No test is perfect. Some test items may not be clear or fair to the students. This session provides introductory statistical methods to examine an item’s difficulty level, sensitivity to instructions, and power to differentiate master and non-master students, as well as the quality of the answer choices. The presenter demonstrates the analysis using Excel 2007 and the participants are expected to leave the session knowing the basic item analysis concepts, how to carry out the analysis, and how to interpret the results. The presenter will also showcase an example using item analysis to improve program learning assessment.