The effects of linguistic factors on student performance on economics multiple choice questions


Autoria(s): Hoang, Viet-Ngu; May, Lynette A.; Tang, Tommy
Data(s)

2012

Resumo

This paper proposes a framework to analyse performance on multiple choice questions with the focus on linguistic factors. Item Response Theory (IRT) is deployed to estimate ability and question difficulty levels. A logistic regression model is used to detect Differential Item Functioning questions. Probit models testify relationships between performance and linguistic factors controlling the effects of question construction and students’ background. Empirical results have important implications. The lexical density of stems affects performance. The use of non-Economics specialised vocabulary has differing impacts on the performance of students with different language backgrounds. The IRT-based ability and difficulty help explain performance variations.

Formato

application/pdf

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/58004/

Publicador

Social Science Electronic Publishing, Inc.

Relação

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/58004/2/58004.pdf

DOI:10.2139/ssrn.2121816

Hoang, Viet-Ngu, May, Lynette A., & Tang, Tommy (2012) The effects of linguistic factors on student performance on economics multiple choice questions. Social Science Research Network.

Direitos

Copyright 2012 Social Science Electronic Publishing

Fonte

QUT Business School; Faculty of Education; School of Economics & Finance

Palavras-Chave #130203 Economics Business and Management Curriculum and Pedagogy #multiple choice questions #linguistic factors #Item Response Theory
Tipo

Other