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A Randomization P-Value Test for Detecting Copying on Multiple-Choice Exams

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  • Joseph B. Lang

    (University of Iowa)

Abstract

This article is concerned with the statistical detection of copying on multiple-choice exams. As an alternative to existing permutation- and model-based copy-detection approaches, a simple randomization p -value (RP) test is proposed. The RP test, which is based on an intuitive match-score statistic, makes no assumptions about the distribution of examinees’ answer vectors and hence is broadly applicable. Especially important in this copy-detection setting, the RP test is shown to be exact in that its size is guaranteed to be no larger than a nominal α value. Additionally, simulation results suggest that the RP test is typically more powerful for copy detection than the existing approximate tests. The development of the RP test is based on the idea that the copy-detection problem can be recast as a causal inference and missing data problem. In particular, the observed data are viewed as a subset of a larger collection of potential values, or counterfactuals, and the null hypothesis of “no copying†is viewed as a “no causal effect†hypothesis and formally expressed in terms of constraints on potential variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph B. Lang, 2023. "A Randomization P-Value Test for Detecting Copying on Multiple-Choice Exams," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 48(3), pages 296-319, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jedbes:v:48:y:2023:i:3:p:296-319
    DOI: 10.3102/10769986221143515
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mauricio Romero & Ã lvaro Riascos & Diego Jara, 2015. "On the Optimality of Answer-Copying Indices," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 40(5), pages 435-453, October.
    2. R. Darrell Bock, 1972. "Estimating item parameters and latent ability when responses are scored in two or more nominal categories," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 37(1), pages 29-51, March.
    3. Donald B. Rubin, 2005. "Causal Inference Using Potential Outcomes: Design, Modeling, Decisions," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 100, pages 322-331, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kylie Gorney & James A. Wollack, 2025. "Using Response Times in Answer Similarity Analysis," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 50(3), pages 449-470, June.

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