The positive and negative consequences of multiple-choice testing.
Multiple-choice tests are commonly used in educational settings but with unknown effects on students' knowledge. The authors examined the consequences of taking a multiple-choice test on a later general knowledge test in which students were warned not to guess. A large positive testing effect was obtained: Prior testing of facts aided final cued-recall performance. However, prior testing also had negative consequences. Prior reading of a greater number of multiple-choice lures decreased the positive testing effect and increased production of multiple-choice lures as incorrect answers on the final test. Multiple-choice testing may inadvertently lead to the creation of false knowledge.
Roediger
Henry L
HL
Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA. roediger@artsci.wustl.edu
Marsh
Elizabeth J
EJ
D002755:Choice Behavior; D003463:Cues; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory; D011939:Mental Recall