Calibration and Scoring of Tests With Multiple‐Choice and Constructed‐Response Item Types

This article discusses and demonstrates combining scores from multiple‐choice (MC) and constructed‐response (CR) items to create a common scale using item response theory methodology. Two specific issues addressed are (a) whether MC and CR items can be calibrated together and (b) whether simultaneous calibration of the two item types leads to loss of information. Procedures are discussed and empirical results are provided using a set of tests in the areas of reading, language, mathematics, and science in three grades.