Multiple-Choice Test Item Writing Procedure cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1204-97

There are times when a negatively stated test item is unavoidable. However, never use a

negatively stated stem with a negatively stated answer option:

Test item:

Which of the following indications would not be expected and might indicate an

instrument failure?

(a)

The CRD `travel' lamp does not indicate when Group 8 rods are in

motion.

(b)

Group 7 out-motion is prevented past 91.4%.

(c)

When you depress the `CRD travel in' lamp-test push button, the `CRD

travel out' lamp comes on.

(d)

During a transfer of a group from direct current, hold to auxiliary; when

you select `SEQ-OR,' the `SEQ-OR' lamp is on and the `SEQ' lamp goes

off.

Notice how confusing the option (a) answer is in combination with the test item stem.

Provide sufficient counterbalance in test items with multipart answers. Multiple-choice test

items can legitimately contain multipart answer options. However, if the answers contain too

many parts and/or too many options for each part, cues indicating the correct answer may

be unavoidable. Consider the following example:

Test item:

The RCS is in hot standby with no reactor coolant pumps running. If OTSG

pressure is decreased, according to the plant verification procedure, which of the

following temperature responses indicate the presence of natural circulation?

(a)

Th increases, Tc remains the same.