Construction and use of an astronomy test item file

Abstract

A test item file for Introductory Astronomy questions has been constructed. The characteristics of the file include: construction from readily available and inexpensive materials, an efficient organization by a content categorization scheme to allow quick retrieval, classification of questions according to behavioral objectives to aid in construction of a balanced exam, a format that permits a direct generation of exams without further typing, and a record of use including ease and discrimination information so that the effectiveness of the questions can be enhanced.