Name
A Novel Innovative Item Type for Certification Exams: The Generated Response Option
Speakers
Cynthia Parshall, Touchstone Consulting
Katie Santo, ABIM
Pamela Kaliski, American Board of Internal Medicine
Katie Santo, ABIM
Pamela Kaliski, American Board of Internal Medicine

Description
Implementing innovative item types is challenging; however, alternatives to traditional item types such as multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short answer questions (SAQs) may create an assessment that with a stronger validity argument. In this presentation, an innovative item type that is a hybrid of MCQs and SAQs is introduced: the Generated Response Option (GRO) item. GRO mimics a SAQ as the examinee will begin by typing type their response into a text box. After typing at least 3 characters, options matching the input are dynamically drawn from a pre-determined list of possible response options and presented to the examinee. GRO may benefit examinees by offering a more authentic assessment. Additionally, GRO may give test developers flexibility, without the burden of writing distractors. Findings from think aloud protocols will be shared, along with a discussion of next steps, and advice for the audience about developing innovative item types for high-stakes assessments.
Session Type
Presentation
Session Area
Certification/Licensure
Primary Topic
Test Development and Psychometrics