Page 333 - DEDU504_EDUCATIONAL_MEASUREMENT_AND_EVALUATION_ENGLISH

Unit 28 : Objective Type Test : Advantages and Limitations

Notes

What is meaning of the term response ?

28.3.4 Structured Questions

Concept
Such questions are rooted in a given stipulated situation, providing the needed introductory statement
in the form of a passage, experimental data, table, or diagram, followed by a number of subquestions
based on the subject matter. Initial question followed by subquestions are framed to test different
abilities, as depicted in Chart 1.
Basic introductory material based on selected theme

Subquestion Initial subquestion

Subquestion

Subquestion Successive subquestions

Subquestion

Chart 1 : Format of structured questions
Principles of Construction
(a) Same introductory paragraph or material is to be used for each question.
(b) Introductory material should neither be inadequate nor have redundant matter.
(c) Subquestions may be of short-answer or objective type. Usually the same form of question is
used in one set.
(d) Each subquestion must demand reading of introductory paragraph for answering.
(e) Each subquestion must be independent and should not depend on knowledge of previous
questions.
(f) Each question should test different abilities as far as possible.
(g) All questions must test high-order abilities – not simply recall.
(h) Subquestions may be arranged according to abilities tested, difficulty level, sequence of events
or concepts involved.
(i) Such questions should be time effective by keeping limited number of questions.
28.3.5 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)
The most potential and usable form of objective tests is the MCQ. These questions are either used
exclusively as in some selection tests, or in combination with other forms of questions as in most of
the examinations conducted by the examination boards or other agencies.
If the number of candidates is very large and results are to be declared within a few days, the use
of MCQ cannot be overemphasised. Exclusive use of MCQ is warranted in all such situations where

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