Page 353 - DEDU504_EDUCATIONAL_MEASUREMENT_AND_EVALUATION_ENGLISH

Unit 30 : Essay Type Test: Advantages and Limitations

cannot be salvaged by the most carefully devised method of grading. Improper grading, however Notes
can spoil the well-constructed essay question. Unreliable grading is one of the most valid criticisms
against ETQ. We should aim at optimum reliability only and try to reduce intra-examiner and
inter-examiner variances. Scoring uniformity and scoring objectivity should be ensured while
setting the question and developing the marking scheme. The following two methods can be
used in grading.
30.4.1 Analytical Method
It is also called the ‘Point score method’, in which a model answer is broken into specific, value
points each of which is given proportional weightage in the allotment of marks.
30.4.2 Global Scoring Method
It is also called ‘Holistic or rating method’ Ideal answer is split into component parts. Students’
responses are graded on the quality continuum, which has a number of standards or anchor
points. Rater reads the response, forms a general impression and assigns a rating, using some
standard on quality continuum. Response can be graded on a 3- or 5-point scale like excellent,
good, average, satisfactory and poor. Such scale values can be established by preparing a variety
of answers corresponding to the various scale points. The reader after rapid reading can assign
scripts into five piles. For more objectivity two independent raters can assign independently. In
homogeneous group, assign the scripts into one of the piles. Each question can then be re-read to
re-classify the scripts that are classified. Outline answers and detailed marking scheme; when
prepared along with framing of questions it helps improve wording, unrealistic time, difficulty
level etc. This method is more suitable to apply in restricted-response variety of ETQ. The extended-
response variety of ETQ can be scored by this method more reliably for the same reason.
Self Assessment
1. Multiple choice Questions :
(i) The nomenclature of essay type question test is best for ______.
(a) language subjects (b) Practical subjects
(c) Mathematical subjects (d) Science Subjects

(ii) Weidman (1941) Categorised essay type test into ______ types of questions ranging from
simple to the most complex using directional words.
(a) 9 (b) 10
(c) 11 (d) 12
(iii) Monroe and Caster divided Essay type test into ______ Categories ranging including
selective recall, new procedure to inferential thinking, cause and effect.
(a) 11 (b) 21
(c) 31 (d) 41
(iv) Analytical method is called ______.
(a) Point score method (b) Holistic method
(c) Rating method (d) Scientific method

30.5 Improving in Reliability of Scoring Essay Type Test

The following measures may be adopted to control the reliability of ETQ :
(a) Use precise, unambiguous and understandable language to enable the examinees to think
about the expected scope of answer in the same way as intended by the framer of the
question.

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