Abstract

This study aimed to detect the impact of the correct alternative position in multiple choice test with four alternatives on the precision of estimation difficulty parameter and item discrimination, and on the estimation of experiential reliability coefficients and individual reliability coefficients according to two parameter model of the item response theory. To achieve research objectives, a multiple choice test with four alternatives in science was built consisted of (31) items and of three patterns with the same content and variable which is the correct alternative position where the first pattern is the correct alternative position on the two alternatives (A & B) and the second pattern on the alternatives (C & D) and the third pattern randomly distributes the correct alternative position on the four alternatives. The three patterns were applied to a random clustered sample consisting of (500) third intermediate female students in Yanbu city. (SPSS) statistical program package and ( Bilog-Mg 3) were used for data analysis . The results of the study indicated that there are no statistically significant differences between the means of precision of estimation difficulty parameter and item discrimination attributed to correct alternative position, and there are no statistically significant differences between the means of experiential reliability coefficients ratings attributed to correct alternative position attributed to correct alternative position , while there are no statistically significant differences between the means of individual reliability coefficients ratings attributed to correct alternative position. In light of these results a number of recommendations were presented, the most notably are the male and female teacher’s awareness of the need to take care of the multiple choice test items preparation, as well as the need to care in the distribution of the correct answers randomly to all alternatives.