Rapid guessing as a momentary decision by the test taker to opt out of being measured¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 6 claims (5 for, 1 mixed) · 3 studies (2 theoretical, 1 review), q2 · 0 of 3 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Wise conceptualizes a rapid guess not as a low-quality attempt at the item but as a behavioral choice: "a rapid guess to an item represents a choice by the test taker to momentarily opt out of being measured." On this account, the behavior does not reflect the test taker's knowledge or skill, so responses produced under rapid guessing carry no measurement information about achievement. The framework underpins the article's arguments about identification methods, interpretation, and scoring.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Computer-based testing that records response times for individual items so that very short response times can be identified

Constraints¶

• Interpretation requires attention to the contextual requirements the article says are needed for proper interpretation; the supplied text does not print those details

Target Learners¶

• Test takers taking computer-based multiple-choice assessments

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Valid measurement of what a test taker knows and can do

Claims¶

• Rapid Guessing Indicates Disengaged Test Taking [+M]
• Rapid Guessing Negatively Distorts Scores [+M]
• Rapid guessing can be identified from item-level response time, and its proper interpretation depends on contextual requirements [~W]
• Test takers generally disengage during only a portion of their items, and these disengaged responses reflect a momentary cessation of measurement [+W]
• Rapid guesses on computer-based tests reflect a construct-irrelevant response process rather than the tested knowledge, skills, and abilities [+W]
• Test-taking engagement plays an essential role in the pursuit of valid scores [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Rapid guessing as an opt-out decision within the measurement process

Examples¶

• Use response time to identify test taker disengagement as rapid-guessing behavior

Key Sources¶

• Steven Wise. (2017). Rapid‐guessing behavior: Its identification, interpretation, and implications. Educational Measurement Issues and Practice 36 (4) 52-61. https://doi.org/10.1111/emip.12189