A Comparison of Reading Test Formats in High School Exams: Multiple Choice vs. Open-ended

Abstract

Multiple choice test (MC) and open-ended test (OE) are the most common test formats used in high school exams. To examine the reliability of high school exams, this study investigated the effect of the two different test formats on high school students' performance. In addition, the students' preference and perception towards MC and OE were also looked into. The experiment was designed to reflect the real testing situation of Korean high schools and conducted to 129 students in the 10th grade. The participants took either MC or OE and completed the survey so that their scores and answers were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the students got higher scores in MC than in OE regardless of their proficiency levels, and that they preferred MC to OE while perceiving OE to be more valid. The reliability of high school exams was discussed based on the results and the implications for designing the exams and interpreting the scores were addressed.