From: rbono@necis.UUCP (Rich)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: Format of Code Exams?
Date: 31 Dec 92 21:28:49 GMT
Organization: still seeking it

In article <1992Dec31.074002.972@miavx3.mid.muohio.edu>, clmorgan@miavx3.mid.muohio.edu wrote:
> In article <1992Dec30.171649.19454@wam.umd.edu>, ham@wam.umd.edu (Scott Richard Rosenfeld) writes:
>> In article <C02yu3.GIF@constellation.ecn.uoknor.edu> jahern@geohub.gcn.uoknor.edu writes:
>>>I'm studying up for my Extra code exam, and got to wondering: Is the
>>>exam multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank? The FCC Rule Book says
>>>the format is up to the VEs, but what is the norm? Does it depend
>>>on whether the VE group is ARRL or W5YI, etc.? I'd think the 
>>>multiple choice would be MUCH easier, no? Naturally, I plan to be
>>>at the point where it won't make any difference, but it is helpful
>>>to know what to expect when going into an exam.
>>>
>>>Finally, is 7 correct out of 10 passing or not? I thought it was, but
>>>my SuperMorse program said I failed when I got 7 out of 10. [Yes,
>>>I know the program is not the final judge, but I would have guessed
>>>their criteria would be the same as "real exams".]
>> 
>>>
>> 
>> I have never seen a code exam given as multiple choice.  I have heard of it,
>> but never actually been there to see it done.  I have done around 70 exams
>> under W5YI (that I have been the contact for), and I have NEVER given a
>> multiple choice code exam.  I have also done a few exams with the Laurel (MD)
>> VEC, and all of theirs have been fill-in-the-blank.
>> 
>> My guess is that nearly every exam you go to will have a fill-in-the-blank
>> code test.  7 out of 10 IS a passing score.
>> 
>> Scott  Good Luck  NF3I
>> 
> 
> 
> Both multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank are sanctioned by W5YI and ARRL VECs.
> 
> The choice is left up to the administering VEs ... Which is more desirable makes
> for an excellentaacademic discussion ... both are legal.
> 

 Well, I have tested many times as an ARRL VE at a fairly large session.
For a while, we were alternating multiple choice and fill in the blank type
exams.  We had exam sessions about every 3 months.  One session we would use
the multiple choice exams, then the next session we would use the fill in
the blank exams.

 I always thought that the multiple choice exams would be easier.  And found
it quite amusing to hear that many test candidates also thought this before
they took their exam.  The amusing part was hearing people talking at
the test session and on the air how they were going to 'wait' till the next
multiple choice exam to make their attempt.  Many were dissapointed when
the current test session was a fill in the blank style ("Hey, I thought
that you guys were using multiple choice code exams now! Thats what my
buddy took last time!?!?!".... Yeah, that was the last time, we alternate
to give a variety).

 Well, I can say (without any scientific procedures) that it seemed that
more people FAILED when we gave the multiple choice exams!

 This was for all code speeds: 5 Wpm, 13 Wpm and 20 Wpm!

 I don't have actual statistics, but it really did seem that there were
more failures with the multiple choice.

 Maybe this is because multiple choice exams are perceived to be 'easier',
so more people try the exam before they are actually ready.  Or possibly
many people try the exam because they think that they might be able to
pass the exam by sheer luck (just by randomly guessing the answers).

 My feeling is that if you can copy the code, then there is not a big
difference in the testing method used.  Unless you get your heart set on
a particular exam style, then get upset when that is not what you are tested
with.

 I would like to hear other's thoughts on this.  Maybe a scientific study
would provide some interesting results.

 Rich

-- 
 /**************************************************************************\
 * Rich Bono                     IMRICH         UUCP:rbono@necis.ma.nec.com * 
 * (508) 635-6300                 NM1D          AMPR: nm1d@nm1d.nh.usa.noam * 
 \**************************************************************************/