Investigation of Three-Tier Diagnostic and Multiple Choice Tests on Chemistry Concepts with Response Change Behaviour

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the test scores of the three-tier diagnostic chemistry test (TDCT) and multiple choice chemistry test (MCCT) by response change behaviour (RCB). The study is a descriptive research study aiming to investigate the item response efforts of TDCT and MCCT in a computerized testing environment (Quizzer test program, QTP). In both TDCT and MCCT, QTP maintains a continuous record for each tier of the test. Participants in the study are students in the Science Education Department at the state university in the Aegean region of Turkey (n=115). The study was conducted in two groups: there were 58 students in Group 1 and 57 students in Group 2. In Group 1, a TDCT was used; in Group 2, an MCCT test was applied. Tests were distributed by random sampling between Group 1 and Group 2. The data were collected by adding a confirmation tier to the TDCT involving 44 items. The TDCT was applied to 115 pre-service teachers; the reliability coefficient of the test was found to be 0.72. SPSS and MS Excel programs were used to analyse the data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Considering the results obtained from the study, the rate of completing the test with RCB of test items for both tests is approximately 7–12 per cent. Another important consequence is that RCB does not provide an advantage or disadvantage in terms of scoring.