What types of questions can be used in objective tests?

Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are the traditional 'choose one from a list' of possible answers. Special types of multiple choice questions include

• Assertion-Reason questions
• Multiple Combination questions
• True/False

Multiple response questions(MRQs) are similar to MCQs, but involve the selection of more than one answer from a list. These are not usually presented in OMR tests.

Graphical hotspot questions involve selecting an area(s) of the screen, by moving a marker to the required position, or, in the case of OMR questions, by filling in a block in a particular position linked to a graphic illustration on a specially designed paper answer sheet. For advanced types of hotspot questions (e.g. labelling and building questions) see the TRIADS project.

Text/Numerical questions involve the input of text or numbers at the keyboard (CBA only).

Matching questions involve linking items in one list to items in a second list (CBA only).

Sore finger questions have been used in language teaching and computer programming, where one word, code or phrase is out of keeping with the rest of a passage. It could be presented as a 'hot spot' or text input type of question. (CBA only)

Ranking questions require the student to relate items in a column to one another and can be used to test the knowledge of sequences, order of events, level of gradation.

Sequencing questionsrequire the student to position text or graphic objects in a given sequence. These are particularly good for testing methodology.

Field simulationoffer simulations of real problems or exercises. See TRIADS for examples of such questions (CBA only).

Other question types require students to identify and/or manipulate images. Students may be asked to plot a graph, complete a matrix, draw a line or build up an image using parts provided.