An Attempt to Identify Predictors of Test-Wiseness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential predictors of test-wiseness, including self-perception of test-taking ability and a test-wiseness score on a multiple-choice test which served as a pretest for subsequent training on guessing strategies. Specific strategies incorporated into the test were (1) midrange, (2) length of option, (3) deduction, and (4) similarity/oppositeness. Five test items for each strategy and five items which were determined to be nonsusceptible to test-wiseness were included. The two predictor measures were administered to experimental (n = 19) and control (n = 22) groups as was a posttest measure similar to the pretest. Analyses indicated that test-wiseness can be predicted from pretest score, grade point average, and subjects' test-taking perceptions. Subjects who had a GPA below 3.5, scored below 70% on the pretest or perceived themselves as poor test-takers benefited the most from the training.