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The detection of cheating in multiple choice examinations

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  • Richmond, Peter
  • Roehner, Bertrand M.

Abstract

Cheating in examinations is acknowledged by an increasing number of organizations to be widespread. We examine two different approaches to assess their effectiveness at detecting anomalous results, suggestive of collusion, using data taken from a number of multiple-choice examinations organized by the UK Radio Communication Foundation. Analysis of student pair overlaps of correct answers is shown to give results consistent with more orthodox statistical correlations for which confidence limits as opposed to the less familiar “Bonferroni method” can be used. A simulation approach is also developed which confirms the interpretation of the empirical approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Richmond, Peter & Roehner, Bertrand M., 2015. "The detection of cheating in multiple choice examinations," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 436(C), pages 418-429.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:436:y:2015:i:c:p:418-429
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2015.05.040
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George Wesolowsky, 2000. "Detecting excessive similarity in answers on multiple choice exams," Journal of Applied Statistics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(7), pages 909-921.
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