Single entry question in digital assessment

Within digital testing, you have a variety of question types at your disposal, including the single fill-in-the-blank question. But what exactly is this question type? In this blog article, discover everything you need to know about single fill-in-the-blank questions and learn how to use them effectively.

What is a single fill-in-the-blank question?

A single fill-in-the-blank question is one 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 a multiple choice question, for example, the answer is not named among the answer options.

The fill-in-the-blank question that asks the candidate to give multiple answers is the multiple fill-in-the-blank question.

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

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, namely H2O.

Point Scoring:

For the single fill-in-the-blank question above, an appropriate scoring scheme might 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, the question will be assessed one point. When completing any other answer, such as H3O, the candidate receives zero points.

Advantages of a single fill-in-the-blank question

There are a number of advantages that the single fill-in-the-blank question has in terms of digital testing:

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

Disadvantages of a single fill-in-the-blank question

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to using this question type. Some disadvantages are as follows:

• No insight into level of understanding: This type of question provides no insight into the candidate’s level of understanding because only factual knowledge is tested. Therefore, it is important to combine these questions with other question types.
• No room for creativity: Single fill-in-the-blank questions do not allow for creativity, making them less suitable for testing certain skills or knowledge.
• Incorrect Answers: Candidates may accidentally give incorrect answers due to typos, spelling errors or other carelessness. This may affect the assessment of the test.

Tips for creating a single fill-in-the-blank 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. Clearly state what is expected of the candidate and avoid vagueness or ambiguity.
• Ensure a good balance between 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 fill-in-the-blank questions and provide immediate formative feedback on their answers.

Conclusion: the single fill-in-the-blank question in digital tests

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