Which term examines the distribution of responses across test items to identify distractors?

Which term examines the distribution of responses across test items to identify distractors?

• A. Test item analysis
• B. Distractor analysis
• C. Gap analysis
• D. Kirkpatrick model

Answer: (B)

Distractor analysis focuses on how responses are distributed among the answer choices for each item, looking at which incorrect options attract respondents and how often. By seeing which distractors lure different groups of test-takers, you can judge which distractors are functioning and which are not, helping to gauge item quality and the test’s ability to differentiate levels of knowledge. A well-performing distractor draws responses from some lower-performing students while still guiding higher performers toward the correct answer, whereas a non-functional distractor is rarely chosen and may indicate the item needs revision. While item analysis in general includes other metrics like difficulty and discrimination, the term in question specifically targets the distribution of responses to identify distractors. The other terms don’t fit because gap analysis focuses on learners’ knowledge gaps, and the Kirkpatrick model is about evaluating training programs, not analyzing item response patterns.

Distractor analysis focuses on how responses are distributed among the answer choices for each item, looking at which incorrect options attract respondents and how often. By seeing which distractors lure different groups of test-takers, you can judge which distractors are functioning and which are not, helping to gauge item quality and the test’s ability to differentiate levels of knowledge. A well-performing distractor draws responses from some lower-performing students while still guiding higher performers toward the correct answer, whereas a non-functional distractor is rarely chosen and may indicate the item needs revision. While item analysis in general includes other metrics like difficulty and discrimination, the term in question specifically targets the distribution of responses to identify distractors. The other terms don’t fit because gap analysis focuses on learners’ knowledge gaps, and the Kirkpatrick model is about evaluating training programs, not analyzing item response patterns.