written by Paula V. Engelhardt and Robert J. Beichner

This 29-question research-based multiple-choice test is designed to evaluate students' reasoning regarding direct current resistive electric circuits. The test may be administered to students in algebra- or calculus-based introductory physics courses in high school or university settings.

The test is based on investigations of students' difficulties with direct current circuits and should be given in a 30-minute period. Statistical results have shown the survey to be reliable and valid. A summary of the construction and analysis of the survey is available in, Students' understanding of direct current resistive electrical circuits, Am. J. Phys. 72 (1), 98-115 (2004). Details are provided in Paula Engelhardt's dissertation, Examining students' understanding of electrical circuits through multiple-choice testing and interviews.

This assessment is free for use by instructors in their classroom. However, as it takes years of development effort to create and validate reliable assessment instruments, the file is password-protected. Furthermore, the author requests that 1. students are not given copies following examination; and 2. none of the questions are incorporated into web-based question delivery systems without adequate security to prevent printing or unauthorized access by students.

To obtain the password, please send a request with your name, email, institution, and a link to a page at your institution that confirms you are an instructor.

• Download DIRECT1.2.zip - 2370kb Compressed File

This assessment is free for use by instructors in their classroom. However, as it takes years of development effort to create and validate reliable assessment instruments, the file is password-protected. Furthermore, the author requests that 1. students are not given copies following examination; and 2. none of the questions are incorporated into web-based question delivery systems without adequate security to prevent printing or unauthorized access by students.

To obtain the password, please send a request with your name, email, institution, and a link to a page at your institution that confirms you are an instructor.

Published January 1, 1995
Last Modified March 3, 2013

This file has previous versions.