Which term denotes the systematic evaluation of examination question quality?

Which term denotes the systematic evaluation of examination question quality?

• A. Checklist
• B. Distractor analysis
• C. Test item analysis
• D. Qualitative evaluation

Answer: (C)

Item analysis is the systematic evaluation of examination question quality. It looks at how each item performed on the test, using measures such as difficulty (what proportion of test-takers answered correctly) and discrimination (how well the item separates higher- from lower-performing students). It also examines distractors to see if the wrong options function as intended and reveal ambiguities. This process helps identify items that are confusing, too easy or too hard, or flawed, so they can be revised or removed to improve the test’s reliability and validity. A checklist is simply a list of review criteria and isn’t a full performance analysis of items. Qualitative evaluation is broader and not limited to numerical item performance. Distractor analysis is a part of item analysis, but the overall systematic evaluation of exam questions is best described by item analysis.

Item analysis is the systematic evaluation of examination question quality. It looks at how each item performed on the test, using measures such as difficulty (what proportion of test-takers answered correctly) and discrimination (how well the item separates higher- from lower-performing students). It also examines distractors to see if the wrong options function as intended and reveal ambiguities. This process helps identify items that are confusing, too easy or too hard, or flawed, so they can be revised or removed to improve the test’s reliability and validity. A checklist is simply a list of review criteria and isn’t a full performance analysis of items. Qualitative evaluation is broader and not limited to numerical item performance. Distractor analysis is a part of item analysis, but the overall systematic evaluation of exam questions is best described by item analysis.