The Effects of Linguistic Factors on Student Performance on Economics Multiple Choice Questions

24 Pages Posted: 1 Aug 2012

See all articles by Vincent Hoang

Vincent Hoang

Queensland University of Technology

Lyn May

Queensland University of Technology

Tommy Tang

Queensland University of Technology - School of Economics and Finance

Date Written: July 17, 2012

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework to analyse performance on multiple choice questions with the focus on linguistic factors. Item Response Theory (IRT) is deployed to estimate ability and question difficulty levels. A logistic regression model is used to detect Differential Item Functioning questions. Probit models testify relationships between performance and linguistic factors controlling the effects of question construction and students’ background. Empirical results have important implications. The lexical density of stems affects performance. The use of non-Economics specialised vocabulary has differing impacts on the performance of students with different language backgrounds. The IRT-based ability and difficulty help explain performance variations.

JEL Classification: A22

Suggested Citation

Hoang, Vincent and May, Lynette and Tang, Tommy, The Effects of Linguistic Factors on Student Performance on Economics Multiple Choice Questions (July 17, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2121816 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2121816

Vincent Hoang (Contact Author)

Queensland University of Technology ( email )

2 George Street
Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Australia
+61 7 331 84325 (Phone)
+61 31381500 (Fax)

Lynette May

Queensland University of Technology ( email )

2 George Street
Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Australia
+61 7 3138 3462 (Phone)
+61 7 313 83988 (Fax)

Tommy Tang

Queensland University of Technology - School of Economics and Finance ( email )

GPO Box 2434
2 George Street
Brisbane, Queensland 4001
Australia
+61 7 3138 2737 (Phone)
+61 7 313 81500 (Fax)

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