Topic 5: Short Answer and Completion Items

Short Answer and Completion Items

- Generally short in structure and require a short answer as well - Used almost exclusively to assess lower- level thinking skills such as memorization and basic knowledge - Also called "supply" items○ Test taker must supply a response in either words, numbers or symbols

Essay Items

- Test taker is expected to write a coherent and informative response to a question - Good to use when you want an unrestricted response that will measure higher-order thinking - Relationship between ideas - Pros and cons of an argument -Open-ended or close-ended

How to Score Essay Questions

1. Allow plenty of time to score items. 2. Pace yourself! Score items in batches and take a break after each batch. 3. When creating the question, create a model response to have a basis for comparison. 4.Score the same question across all test takers then score the next question. 5. Grade responses without knowing the test taker's identity

Essay Guideline #1

Allow adequate time to answer the question. • Tell test takers how much time they have to complete the question. • Recommend outlining a response before writing.

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #2

Avoid grammatical clues to the correct answer. - questions should make sense but not inadvertently provide help

Essay Guideline #2

Be sure the question is clear and complete. - Write the question so test takers know what information is wanted in the response.

Close-ended essay items

Defines limits for both the content and the format of the response

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #3

Do not copy items directly from study materials. • It encourages memorization beyond what is needed.

Essay Guideline #4

Have all test takers answer the same questions. - Should be one model answer against which responses should be compared. • Multiple questions require that multiple model answers have to be created - a lot of work!

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #5

When requiring a numerical answer, specify the precision of the answer you want and the units. - being specific ensures that you receive the one correct answer you want

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #1

If you have a choice, create short answer items rather than completion items. - short answer items are more clearer, more straightforward, and less ambigious

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #7

Items should be written so there is only one, brief answer that is correct.

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #6

Make sure blank spaces are equal in size and kept to a minimum.

Open-Ended Essay items

No restrictions placed on the response (i.e., unrestricted)

Essay Guideline #3

Only use essay questions to evaluate higher- order thinking, such as comparisons, evaluations, analyses, and interpretations

Short Answer and Completion Items Guidelines #4

Place the "blank" for completion items at the end of the item. - when a blank is at the end of an item, the test taker is more prepared