Thanks to those who responded to my query about guessing on the
GRE-General. In particular, Beth Bennett (privately) and Marc
Turner (on-list) helped straighten me out.
The point is that the GRE-General is taken on a computer, unlike
the test in my day, before computers were invented (heck, it was
before _pencils_ were invented, and we had to scratch our choices
on clay tablets). With the computer, you're not allowed to skip a
question. This means that you have no choice about guessing: you
_have_ to guess when you don't know. The sole exception seems to
be at the end of the test, when you're running out of time.
Here's what the GRE people say about that:
"If you are running out of time at the end of a section, make
every effort to complete the test. Data indicate that most
candidates get higher scores if they finish the test. In fact,
based on analyses of test takers, a majority of test takers will
score higher if they finish the test than if they do not attempt
to answer all of the questions. There is a chance that guessing
at the end of the test can seriously lower your score. The best
strategy is to pace yourself so that you have time to consider
each test question, so you don't have to guess. Guessing at the
end of the test can seriously lower your score."
This is somewhat less than clear, but what I think they are
saying is that if you're running out of time, random responding
will not be helpful. It's better to make at least a minimal
attempt to find some basis for your choice, even if this means
that you don't complete the test.
This differs from the advice for the paper-and-pencil Psychology
Subject test, where Kalat & Matlin (ref in previous post) say
that, statistically, guessing won't hurt and if you can eliminate
one or more alternatives, may help.
-Stephen
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Stephen Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470
Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661
Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Lennoxville, QC
J1M 1Z7
Canada Department web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy
Check out TIPS listserv for teachers of psychology at:
http://www.frostburg.edu/dept/psyc/southerly/tips/
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