Item Writing of the Psychological Test

a) Generation of Item pool:

The generation of the item pool starts by writing as many items that are conceptually related
to domain of interest of the test under construction. It usually begins with large item pool and
by the time discard the items that are not up to the mark regarding the trait under consideration.
b) Appropriate Vocabulary:
Pre-determine the population for which the test is being constructed and the vocabulary in the
items used should always be according to the reading level of examinee i.e. it should not be
very hard to understand and not very much below the mark.
c) Clearer Words:
The wording of the items should be clear and the double meaning words should not be used
for avoiding any ambiguity getting required response.
d) Targeted Language:
Targeted language i.e. which is point to a certain group or community of the society should be
used carefully. One should avoid the gender specific language and words that are hurtful to
certain factions.
e) Item Content:
Two types of approaches are used in creating test items. Either it’s a theoretical approach, in
which items are created on the basis of some theory, or an atheoretical approach. In theoretical
approach most of the time transparent responses are shown thus affecting individual judgment.
In an atheoratical approach item pool is large which is not bonded by any particular theory and
it used to refer different various aspects of personality e.g. MMPI.
f) Item response Alternatives:
 Item response alternative normally used are simple diphasic options, MCQs which also
include 5 point likert scale, and free responses.
 Sometimes purpose of test dictates the type of answer format.
 MCQs are most popular as its scoring is easy and rapid. In this answer format guessing
reduced as numbers of option increase. In MCQs no examiner judgment is involved
 It is difficult to write alternative statements for items that functions as good as others.
 It may contain transparent cues, that signals the correct response
 Tense of verbs asked may aid the test taker
 Free response format gives richness & depth of reflection that is not possible otherwise. It
functions both as advantage and disadvantage