Statistical Analysis of Multiple Choice Exams

The use of a multiple-choice format for hour exams at many institutions leads to a deluge of more or less significant statistical data which are unfortunately all too often either neglected or completely ignored. We will try to present an introduction to certain of the more common words or phrases which are encountered in the analysis of test results, so that these data may become more meaningful, and perhaps more useful as well. We feel obligated to note in passing that rare indeed is the academic discipline which cannot be accused of sharing Humpty Dumpty*s claim that “a word means exactly what we choose it to mean, neither more nor less.”