Simple entry question in digital assessment

In digital assessment you have all kinds of question types at your disposal, including the single entry question. But what exactly is this question type? In this blog article you will discover everything you need to know about single entry questions and learn how to use them effectively.

What is a single entry question?

A single entry question is a question that requires the candidate to enter a single word, number or symbol as the answer. This type of question is often used to test factual knowledge or understanding of basic concepts. Unlike, for example, a multiple choice question, the answer is not named among the answer options.

The entry question that asks the candidate to provide multiple answers is the multiple entry question.

Example and score distribution of a single entry question

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Example: What is the chemical formula for water?

Answer: This question requires the candidate to give the correct answer in the form of a chemical formula. There is only one correct answer, which is H2O.

Point Count:

For the above single entry question, an appropriate point count could be to award one point for a correct answer and zero points for an incorrect or incomplete answer. If a candidate gives the correct answer, H2O, then the question is assessed one point. When completing another answer, such as H3O, the candidate receives zero points.

Evaluations of a single entry question

There are a number of advantages the single entry question has in terms of digital assessment:

• Objective assessment:Since there is only one correct answer, the assessment is more objective and less subjective than open-ended questions.
• Time-saving:The review of single entry questions can be quickly and easily automated, saving you time in terms of test analysis.
• Direct feedback:Because the answer can be checked directly, the candidate can receive immediate feedback on his or her answer. Is it a formative assessment? Then the candidate can immediately correct his or her mistake to still get the answer right.
• Factual Knowledge Testing: Single entry questions are great for testing factual knowledge. This question type only requires the candidate to give one correct answer.

Disadvantages of a single entry question

There are, of course, some disadvantages to using this question type. Some of the disadvantages are as follows:

• No insight into level of understanding:This type of question does not provide any insight into the candidate’s level of understanding because only factual knowledge is being tested. Therefore, it is important to combine these questions with other question types.
• No room for creativity:Simple entry questions do not allow for creativity, making them less suitable for testing certain skills or knowledge.
• Wrong answers:Candidates may accidentally give wrong answers due to typos, spelling errors or other sloppiness. This may affect the assessment of the test.

Tips for preparing a single entry question

• Be clear and unambiguous: Formulate the question as clearly and unambiguously as possible. Make sure that only one correct answer is possible and that the question cannot be interpreted in different ways by the candidates.
• Avoid ambiguity: Avoid ambiguous questions and answers to avoid confusion. State clearly what is expected of the candidate and avoid vagueness or ambiguity.
• Make sure to balance difficulty and relevance: Ask questions at different levels and make sure the question is relevant to the test.
• Use formative assessment: Have candidates practice with single entry questions and provide immediate formative feedback on their answers.

Conclusion: the single entry question in digital assessments

The single entry question is a question type in digital assessment that offers many advantages. To use this question type effectively, it is important to formulate clear and unambiguous questions and take into account possible pitfalls. By combining single entry questions with other question types, you can provide the ultimate assessment experience. Want more information about digital assessment? Our testing experts are ready to assist you!