Using Lexical Semantic Techniques to Classify Free-Responses

The research described in this paper shows the use of lexical semantic techniques for automated scoring of short-answer and essay responses from performance-based test items and uses lexical Semantic techniques in order to identify the meaningful content of free-text responses for small data sets.

Abstract

The education communitywants to include more performancebased assessments on standardized exams. The research described in this paper shows the use of lexical semantic techniques for automated scoring of short-answer and essay responses from performance-based test items. We use lexical semantic techniques in order to identify the meaningful content of free-text responses for small data sets. The research demonstrates applications of lexical semantic techniques for free-text responses of varying length and in di#erent subject domains. Prototype designs, and the results of the di#erent prototype applications are discussed.