Tests

Today in English class we took a test.I did some searching around and found some really interesting facts about the psychology behind multiple choice tests. Now, the test we took today wasn't a multiple choice test, but whatever. What I learned is that in test-taking there are two kinds of memory: recall and recognition. An essay test like the one we took today asks your mind to access it's memories directly. When answering an essay question, your mind thinks back and brings relevant information to the surface of your consciousness. A multiple choice question, however, uses both the recall memory and recognition. multiple choice questions group potential correct answers together as well as often grouping questions from certain chapters or topics together. When choosing from a list of potential answers, the ones that your mind recognizes will stand out to you. This is abnormal or ridiculous answers stick out like a sore thumb on multiple choice questions. Many people find that they struggle with multiple choice tests, often they get caught up choosing between two answers that seem like they can be correct and they work themselves into a state of confusion and distress over it. I myself experience this phenomenon from time to time, but in general I like taking multiple choice tests. Essay questions are easy to answer if you know the material well; you can throw down all the required information on to the test and look like a genius. Multiple choice is easier to succeed on if you didn't study, especially if the test is poorly written. You can also use multiple choice questions to answer other questions that you may be stuck on. Although I think multiple choice tests are easier, in all honesty essay questions are probably a more accurate test of the students knowledge.