Image from: Free Online ClipartThe Table of Specifications is a blueprint for the preparation of an exam. It serves as the "map" or guide to assigning the appropriate number of items to topics included in the course or subject. The following is a simplified method of preparing a Table of Specifications.
1. List all the topics that are included in the subject or course.
2. Assign corresponding percentages based on the professional requirements or
institutional requirements. Below is an example:
Subject - CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 2
Topics included:
a. automation - 20 %
b. electrolytes - 15 %
c. enzymology - 25 %
d. endocrinology - 20 %
e. toxicology - 20 %
This gives a total of 100 %
3. Decide on the number of items that you would like the test to be. Let's say you
wanted a 160 item - test; the number of items per topic would then be:
a. automation - 20 % - 32
b. electrolytes - 15 % - 24
c. enzymology - 25 % - 40
d. endocrinology - 20 % - 32
e. toxicology - 20 % - 40
This gives a total of 160 items.
4. Assign the specific type of question you would like to ask depending on what
skill or cognitive learning, you would like to emphasize. For example, you would
like to emphasize the principles in automation, then you may prepare the
questions this way:
a. automation - 32 items
Essay = 10 questions
Identification = 12 questions
Multiple choice = 20 questions
This gives a total of 32 items.
This also is done with the rest of the topics.
11 comments:
IS there a difference between no. of items and no. of points?
Hello,
The items are sometimes different from the points, like in problem solving wherein 1 problem may earn 5 points. Hope that helps.
What if you are making a 100 item exam which is all multiple choice?
If it is a 1-100 multiple choice exam. Then just assign percentages to the topics, based on how important the topic is. Since it is only 100 items, the percentage will correspond to the number of items.
thank you Jena!(",)
what has a Table of Specification to do with the content validity of tests?
If the test result shows that 50% or more of the learners get low marks, what does this mean?
If there are a lot of learners who do poorly in one subject area, how will i do this?
If the test result shows that 50% or more of the learners get low marks, what does this mean?
If there are a lot of learners who do poorly in one subject area, how will i do this?
I think it is not proper or appropriate to give 100 items of Multiple Choice in a test. Give atleast 20 items or 30 items (maximum).
in the principle test item analysis, if 50% or more of the learners get the low marks, that means the test item is poorly constructed. the same is through when the students get the high scores. therefore, if these outcomes are dominant after the administration and thorough analysis of the test, it is strongly suggested that the test items be revised. make not so easy and not so difficult for the learners.
How did you get the number of items? Do you just assign them randomly or is there a formula for it? thanks
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