Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a two-tier test about the subject of “Separation of Matter” in 9^th grade chemistry curriculum and to argue the efficiency of this test on students’ achievement. First, we interviewed 21 students to develop multiple-choice items. Secondly, 24 students were asked to select the most appropriate answer to each question and then they gave explanations for their choices to develop a two-tier test. At the third phase of this study, a two-tier test including 15 questions was developed and applied to141 students for collecting data. The results of the study showed that the two-tier test was effective on determining the students’ misconceptions and also it might be used as an alternative to the traditional multiple choice test for of assessment and evaluation of alternative students’ achievement.

Key words: Two-tier test, chemistry, misconception, traditional multiple choice test, achievement.