Dimensionality of Multiple-Choice Tests during Joint Mock Senior School Certificate Examinations in Kwara State, Nigeria: Research Evidence from 2018-2019

ABSTRACT This study examined the dimensionality of Kwara State Joint Mock Senior School Certificate Examination Multiple Choice Tests in Economics using data obtained from 2018 and 2019; an approach to remove errors in assessment and ascertaining the reliability of assessment instruments. Using descriptive survey design, a total of 1200 students were sampled. The research instruments comprised of standardized 2018 and 2019 Economics tests. Reliability coefficients of 0.71 and 0.70 were obtained for 2012 and 2013, respectively. Descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, Skewness and Kurtosis were used to answer research question one while research questions two, three, and four were answered using Cronbach Alpha and Factor Analysis. Findings revealed that students’ performance was poor with average performances of 20.37 (2018) and 17.91 (2019). Using Cronbach Alpha and Factor Analysis, the test items complied with unidimensionality assumption. The dimensional structure between the test items used in 2018 and 2019 was relatively consistent. Thus, the need to gather evidence that supports the reliability and validity of score-based inferences is imperative from scientific, ethical, and legal perspectives. Keywords: Academics performance, assessment, Cronbach’s alpha, dimensionality, factor Analysis, unidmentionality.