Astronomy quiz question: wee hours moon/afternoon moon

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[Version 1]

Which phase will the moon be in if it is highest overhead at 3:00 AM? Clearly circle your answer below.

Correct answer: (G) (Waning gibbous)

Section 70158
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 5 students
(F) : 0 students
(G) : 11 students
(H) : 0 students

[Version 2]

Which phase will the moon be in if it is highest overhead at 3:00 PM? Clearly circle your answer below.

Correct answer: (C) (Waxing crescent)

Section 70158
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 18 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 1 student
(F) : 0 students
(G) : 1 student
(H) : 0 students

Success level: 58% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.59