RELATIVE ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS ON DIFFERENT ECONOMICS TEST ITEM FORMATS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON SCIENCE EDUCATION
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
           The choice of an appropriate instrument to estimate ability, skill, achievement, interest to mention but a few, depends on the nature of the objective being measured and it is not an easy task for most classroom teachers. Apart from choice, the instrument itself may not possess the property or attribute of the construct being measured. This makes it impossible to directly determine the quantity or quality of attribute being present in a student. Rather is inferred based on the correctness of a task performed by the student. Hence the use of only one type of test item format to determine students’ ability or achievement in economics needs to re- examined.
          Economics is the study of how to use scarce resources to satisfy human wants. Human wants are unlimited but the resources to satisfy them are limited. According to Okafor (2008), economics as a subject helps individual to be relevant in everyday life and could prepare students for an entrepreneurial career in the future. The general objectives of studying economics in senior secondary school are as follows; to enable students:
 Understand basic economic principles and concepts as tools for sound economic analysis.
Contribute intelligently to discourse on economic reforms and development as they affect or would affect the generality of Nigerians.
Understand the structure and functioning of economic institution.
Appreciates the role of public policies on National economy
Develop the skills and also appreciates the basis for national economic decisions
 Become sensitized to participate actively in National Economic advancement through entrepreneurship, capital market and so on.
Understand the role and status of Nigeria and other African countries in the international economic relationships.
 Appreciates the problems encountered by developing countries in their efforts towards economic advancement [Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), 2008]
           In order to achieve the above stated objectives, different assessment tools are  used to elicit information on extent to which students have achieved the objectives after instruction. The determination of the extent to which objectives have been achieved is carried out through assessment.
