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Using Multiple-Choice Questions to Evaluate In-Depth Learning of Economics

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Author Info
Stephen Buckles () (Vanderbilt University)
John J. Siegfried (Vanderbilt University)

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Abstract

Multiple-choice questions are the basis of a significant portion of assessment in introductory economics courses. However, these questions, as found in course assessments, test banks, and textbooks, often fail to evaluate students’ abilities to use and apply economic analysis. The authors conclude that multiple-choice questions can be used to measure some but not all elements of indepth understanding of economics. The authors interpret in-depth understanding as ability to reason through logical steps when those steps and the relevant economic concepts are not explicitly stated. They present examples of multiplechoice questions that do and do not measure in-depth understanding.

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Publisher Info
Article provided by Helen Dwight Reid Foundation in its journal The Journal of Economic Education.

Volume (Year): 37 (2006)
Issue (Month): 1 ()
Pages: 48-57
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Handle: RePEc:jee:journl:v:37:y:2006:i:1:p:48-57

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Related research
Keywords: assessment; in-depth learning; multiple-choice questions;

Find related papers by JEL classification:
A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate

References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:

  1. William B. Walstad, 2001. "Improving Assessment in University Economics," Journal of Economic Education, Helen Dwight Reid Foundation, vol. 32(3), pages 281-294. [Downloadable!]
  2. Becker, William E & Johnston, Carol, 1999. "The Relationship between Multiple Choice and Essay Response Questions in Assessing Economics Understanding," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 75(231), pages 348-57, December.
  3. William E. Becker & Michael Watts, 2001. "Teaching Methods in U.S. Undergraduate Economics Courses," Journal of Economic Education, Helen Dwight Reid Foundation, vol. 32(3), pages 269-279. [Downloadable!]
  4. Joseph Santos & Angeline M. Lavin, 2004. "Do as I Do, Not as I Say: Assessing Outcomes When Students Think Like Economists," Journal of Economic Education, Helen Dwight Reid Foundation, vol. 35(2), pages 148-161. [Downloadable!]
  5. Walstad, William B & Becker, William E, 1994. "Achievement Differences on Multiple-Choice and Essay Tests in Economics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 84(2), pages 193-96, May. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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Cited by:
(explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)

  1. Oskar Harmon & James Lambrinos & Judy Buffolino, 2008. "Is the Cheating Risk Always Higher in Online Instruction Compared to Face-to-Face Instruction?," Working papers 2008-14, University of Connecticut, Department of Economics. [Downloadable!]
  2. Martin P. Shanahan & Gigi Foster & Jan H. F. Meyer, 2006. "Operationalising a Threshold Concept in Economics: A Pilot Study Using Multiple Choice Questions on Opportunity Cost," International Review of Economic Education, Economics Network, University of Bristol, vol. 5(2), pages 29-57. [Downloadable!]
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This page was last updated on 2009-12-21.


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