ABSTRACT
The term constructed response refers to a wide array of tasks ranging from simple modifications of multiple-choice items to complex performances (Bennett, 1993a). The major characteristic that distinguishes these tasks from multiple choice is that they require a response to be generated instead of selected from a small set of presented options. Such items may be preferred over multiple-choice questions because they generally reflect the tasks examinees encounter in academic and work settings more faithfully, contain more information about cognitive structure (Birenbaum & Tatsuoka, 1987), and, in some instances, reduce adverse impact for population groups, particularly females (Bolger & Kellaghan, 1990; Mazzeo, Schmidt, & Bleistein, 1993).
