On the Cover: Time Spent on Multiple‐Choice Items

If you are reading this editorial, most likely interested in cover graphics. We have an exciting opportunity for you! As I am preparing to take the editor role 2022, we will need someone over of visual editor—someone who is graphics and visualization, familiar with educational research practice, willing serve NCME as a volunteer. these describe you, please send letter along curriculum vitae me at [email protected]. Applications received by May 1, 2021 assured full consideration. This issue's features Where Data Meet Assumptions: Visualization Multiple-Choice Item Response Time created Juanita Hicks Ruhan Circi from American Institutes Research Emmanuel Sikali National Center Education Statistics. These researchers intended “[explore] median time spent on multiple-choice (MC) items various difficulty levels relation conventionally assumed MC item response 60 seconds.” Although not everyone assumes be seconds—for example, ACT English test consists 75 expected completed 45 minutes—this graphic does provide valuable timing information developers, thanks availability time. One critical issues assembling tests such that examinees enough complete assessment. Thus, assumptions different types used blueprinting construction process. Multiple-choice common type large-scale assessments because they can measure objectives ranging simple knowledge recall complex analysis. It respond within seconds. The process data provides compare current assumption actual student experiences. shows distribution NAEP grade 4 mathematics bank (n = 100). were examining b-parameter setting cut points easy, moderate, hard. confirms it valid assume multiple choice responded typically minute, no matter difficulty. However, egregious outlier (colored red) should explored more detail. verify what adopted guideline. Likewise, disseminate digestible way improve communication inform development assembly practices. Interested readers may contact ([email protected]) questions graphic.