Resumen

BERRIOS, Gilberto; ROJAS, Carlina; CARTAYA, Noela  y  CASART, Yris. Effect of the number of options on the quality of est reading comprehension multiple-choice exams. Paradìgma [online]. 2005, vol.26, n.1, pp.89-116. ISSN 1011-2251.

This study aims at identifying how the quality of English for Science and Technology (EST) reading comprehension multiple-choice tests is affected by reducing the number of options in each item from 4 to 3. The literature proposes that 3-option multiple-choice tests have a similar quality to that of 4-option ones, demanding less effort and being more efficient. Items from 2 exams administered in 2001 at Universidad Simón Bolívar were modified. The new forms were administered in 2002. From a sample of about 25% of the population, descriptive statistics were obtained: mean difficulty, mean discrimination, and reliability coefficient. Results confirm the practicality of the 3-option format without affecting the quality of the test. We recommend the adoption of this format for the reading program in question. A subsequent decision will need to address either increasing number of items or decreasing administration time.

Palabras clave : language testing; multiple-choice tests; test quality; number of options.