METHODS FOR DISCRIMINATING LEVELS OF PARTIAL KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING A TEST ITEM.

It is argued that where a person is uncertain as to the true answer in a multiple choice question, he should be encouraged to express his partial knowledge in terms of the subjective probability he attaches to each alternative being correct. A variety of answering techniques are examined, together with ways of scoring them, to determine how far they provide an adequate appraisal of the subjective probabilities. Ways of choosing an appropriate method and of improving it are considered and it is suggested that, by suitable training, subjects may be provided with a better understanding of the proper basis for making sound decisions.