Final answer:
To address an unreliable exam, it is necessary to clarify the exam's purpose, use a problem-solving strategy to test hypotheses about potential issues, and review statistical data and feedback to identify and resolve specific problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an exam is not performing reliably, it is essential to undergo a careful evaluation process to identify the issues compromising its reliability. One of the primary strategies to use is to examine if the purpose of the exam is clear - is it designed to assess a problem and explain possible solutions or recommend specific solutions?
This involves looking at the exam structure, the types of questions asked, and the clarity of instructions given to the examinees.
Next, one should consider using a problem-solving strategy, akin to troubleshooting an issue with a car that won't start. Gather information on potential issues, state a hypothesis, and test this hypothesis.
For example, if an exam question is frequently answered incorrectly by students, it could be due to poor wording or a disconnect with the course content. Therefore, reviewing questionable items and revising them can help address reliability issues.
Reviewing Data and Feedback
Additionally, it is crucial to review statistical data from the exam results and gather feedback from test-takers and instructors. Look for patterns such as certain questions consistently faring poorly across the board, which may indicate confounded data or content that does not align with the learning objectives.
This investigative process will often lead to incremental refinements, ensuring that the exam aligns with its intended purpose and meets the standards of reliability and validity essential for educational assessments.