Any 4th grade teachers out there?

Im in a jam..Im working on my masters in family therapy and addictions counseling, one of the required courses is Testinga nd Evaluations. I am supposed to take the Psychology version of that class, but it wasnt available and I wanted to take four classes, so I signed up for the education version of the class. It was bad move on my part because the only educating Ive done was preschool. So anyhow, to make a long story short..I have to design a study that measures something. I chose to measure students (4th graders) knowledge and comprehension of a substance abuse education program. I have the curriculum, I have everything I need, except WHY I would put multiple choice, matching and short answer questions on the test. Can anyone tell me where I would go to explain to me why this is the best way to test their knwoledge. I have a test already, that I will base many of my questions on, but I have to justify WHY and Im struggling in this area. Im clueless with the education system and about 4th graders development. HELP>>>PLEASE!!!!!

Re: Any 4th grade teachers out there?

I teach 4th grade, but I don't think you need to base your reasoning on the grade level. Multiple choice tests are generally used because they are supposed to be unbaised. You can read this pdf:NYSED
Or:
Multiple Choice Tests From fairtest.org

You may also mention that fourth grade (as well as third grade) students are assessed using multiple choice tests in ELA, Math and Science.

I hope this helps a little.

Re: Any 4th grade teachers out there?

This does help..Thank you!!! All I have is my text for the class, which discusses the pros and cons of multiple choice, matching etc. I need to justify WHY I chose these formats for this age group..so I will check out the links that you gave me..THANK YOU soooooooooo very much!!!!! She wants us to use Blooms taxonomy and explain why we are testing for certain levels of knowledge..thats where I get stumped,.I have no clue what 4th graders are capable of and what their limits are...God bless you being a teacher. What an amazing job..I have learned so much about education this semester and Ive always thought teachers were amazing. I pray that when my boys start school, they have wonderful teachers!!
Thanks again!!!