The Importance of Item Analysis

The Importance of Item Analysis

The result of item analysis can be used to select items of desired difficulty that best discriminate between high and low achieving students. However the results of an item analysis can be useful in identifying faulty items and can provide information about student misconceptions and topics that need additional work.[1]

The benefits of item analysis are not limited to the improvement of individual test items; however there are a number of fringe benefits of special value to classroom teachers. The most important of these are the following:

a. Item analysis data provide a basis for efficient class discussion of the test results.

b. Item analysis data provide a basis for remedial work.

c. Item analysis data provide a basis for the general improvement of classroom instruction.

d. Item analysis procedures provide a basis for increased skill in test construction. [2]

While Anthony J. Nitko states in his book, the important of item analysis are: Determining whether an item functions as the teacher intends, feedback to students about their performance and as basis for class discussion, feedback to the teacher about pupil difficulties, areas for curriculum improvement, revising the items, improving item writing skills.[3]

---

[1] Robert L. Linn and Norman E. Grondlund, Measurement and Assessment in Teaching, (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc, 1995), p. 315.

[2] Robert L. Linn and Norman E. Grondlund, Measurement and…, p. 316.

[3] Anthony J. Nitko, Educational Tests and Measurement an Introduction, (New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc, 1983), p. 284.