The positive and negative consequences of multiple-choice testing.

@article{Roediger2005ThePA,
  title={The positive and negative consequences of multiple-choice testing.},
  author={Henry L. Roediger and Elizabeth J. Marsh},
  journal={Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition},
  year={2005},
  volume={31 5},
  pages={
          1155-9
        }
}
  • H. RoedigerE. Marsh
  • Published 1 September 2005
  • Education
  • Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition
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… 
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Feedback enhances the positive effects and reduces the negative effects of multiple-choice testing

Investigating whether feedback could be used to boost the positive effects and reduce the negative effects of multiple-choice testing found both immediate and delayed feedback increased the proportion of correct responses and reduced theportion of intrusions on a delayed cued recall test.

Memorial consequences of multiple-choice testing on immediate and delayed tests

Although delay reduced both the positive and negative testing effects, both still occurred after 1 week, especially if the multiple-choice test had also been delayed, consistent with the argument that recollection underlies both the negative and positive testing effects.

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Memorial consequences of answering SAT II questions.

Whether answering standardized test questions affects students' later test performance is asked; students who scored well on the initial test benefited from taking the test, but lower achieving students showed either less benefit or costs from the testing.

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