Using Selected Indices to Monitor Cheating on Multiplechoice Exams

Methods for detecting cheating on multiple-choice tests are discussed, with particular focus on the Harpp-Hogan index. An investigation of the reliability of the H-H index was undertaken in two professional testing environments, with results suggesting the index can only be used with great caution. A comparison is made of the features available in selected software packages, and recommendations made for practitioners. As the author of the Lertap item and test analysis package (Nelson, 20001), I attempt to respond to modification requests from users as time allows. Early in 2005, the director of a large-scale testing program wrote to ask if Lertap might someday build in support for cheat checking, that is, for detecting the extent to which students in a given test venue may have engaged in answer copying or sharing. The director was familiar with the work of Wesolowsky (2000), and asked if I had seen it. I had not. Detecting cheating on multiple-choice exams was not something I was familiar with. I obtained a copy of Wesolowsky’s (2000) article, and began to adapt Lertap so that it would provide support for users wanting an index of cheating