The Three-option Format for Knowledge and Ability Multiple-choice Tests: A case for why it should be more commonly used in personnel testing

Multiplechoice (MC) tests are arguably the most widely used testing format in applied settings. In the psychometric and education literatures, research on the optimal number of options for knowledge and ability MC tests has revealed that threeoption tests are psychometrically equivalent and, in some cases, superior to fiveoption tests. In addition, there are a number of practical, economic, and administrative advantages associated with the use of threeoption MC tests. Yet, despite its advantages, the threeoption format is underutilized in personnel selection. Across two studies, we compared testtaker perceptions, criterionrelated validity, and sexbased subgroup differences, and in Study 1, we compared racebased subgroup differences on three and fiveoption tests. Participants in the two studies completed a three or fiveoption version of ACT. Test perceptions, criterionrelated validity, and race and sexbased subgroup differences were similar across test formats. The implications for the expanded use of threeoption tests in applied settings and future directions for research are discussed.

The Three-option Format for Knowledge and Ability Multiple-choice Tests: A case for why it should be more commonly used in personnel testing Academic Article