Multiple entry question in digital assessment

The use of different question types has become indispensable within the world of testing and examination. One of the question types that is widely used are the multiple entry questions. But what exactly are these questions and what are their important characteristics?

What is a multiple entry question?

A fill-in-the-blank question is a question type that asks the candidate to fill in an incomplete sentence or calculation and fill in the missing part. There is a difference here between a single fill-in-the-blank question and its multiple counterpart. With the latter option, the candidate must enter an answer in multiple input fields. This can be useful for asking multiple questions about a concise piece of text.

Example and score distribution of a multiple fill-in-the-blank question

Example: World War I began in ___ and ended in ____.

Answer Options: This question type requires the candidate to know both the beginning and ending year of World War I.

Scoring: For the above fill-in-the-blank question, you can choose to give one point per correct answer. If either answer is incorrect, only one point can be earned.

Advantages of a multiple entry question

There are a number of advantages the question type has in terms of digital testing:

• Assess different knowledge and skills: using multiple fill-in-the-blank questions allows you to assess a wide range of knowledge and skills. This is because multiple answer choices are offered, forcing candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of certain topics.
• Quick and user-friendly creation: Multiple entry questions can be answered quickly and easily. The candidate can answer the question within a limited space on his or her screen, which enhances the user-friendliness of the digital test.
• Flexible question type: Multiple entry questions can be used in different subject areas and can be adapted to different learning objectives and learning outcomes. This makes it a flexible question type that can be adapted to the specific needs of the testing organization.

Disadvantages of a multiple entry question

What are disadvantages to consider when using a multiple fill-in-the-blank question in a digital test?

• Limited information: In multiple fill-in-the-blank questions, the candidate answers very specific portions of the lesson material. Often the questions focus on facts and terminology. This can lead to a superficial assessment of knowledge and skills and understanding of a particular subject. So vary the use of different (closed) question types!
• Incorrect Answers: This question type runs the risk of the candidate accidentally giving a wrong answer. Typos or spelling errors may underlie this and negatively affect the assessment of the test.
• Test Technical Knowledge Required: The multiple fill-in-the-blank question allows you to link different parts of the lesson material and show them to the candidate as a question. However, it takes some test expert knowledge to make the right connection within the lesson material and set up the question correctly.

Tips for creating a multiple fill-in-the-blank question

• Be clear about the desired answers: Make sure the candidate knows what is expected of him or her within the question. Is it a short answer? Or a grade?
• Add images: Add images to the digital test. This can help make the question more appealing and the content easier to understand.
• Take into account level and skills: It is tempting within digital testing software to go to the limit. However, always keep the purpose of the test and the candidate’s level in mind!

Conclusion: the multiple entry question in digital tests

The multiple entry question allows you to assess a wide range of topics and concepts. Make sure, however, that you use the question to take your test to the next level and that it really adds value to your test. Want to learn more about what options the Optimum Assessment Platform offers in terms of question types? If so, please contact us.