Multiple‐Choice Models: The Distractors Are Also Part of the Item

This paper describes an item response model for multiple‐choice items and illustrates its application in item analysis. The model provides parametric and graphical summaries of the performance of each alternative associated with a multiple‐choice item; the summaries describe each alternative's relationship to the proficiency being measured. The interpretation of the parameters of the multiple‐choice model and the use of the model in item analysis are illustrated using data obtained from a pilot test of mathematics achievement items. The use of such item analysis for the detection of flawed items, for item design and development, and for test construction is discussed.