Multiple select question in (digital) testing There are plenty of question types you can use within (digital) testing and examining. So too is the multiple select question. When do you use this closed question type? And what are the unique characteristics of this question? What is a multiple select question? Multiple select question is a type of (digital) closed question type where the candidate can select multiple answer options from a list that are considered correct. This is therefore about selecting multiple answer options. This feature distinguishes the multiple select question from a question where the candidate can select from only one answer option (the multiple choice question). Using a multiple select question gives you extra options in designing your ideal test. Namely, you can name multiple correct answers in the answer options. This can be useful if you want to link different parts of the course material. This allows you to cover more specific details within a question. Example and score distribution of a multiple select question Let's look at a sample multiple select question. Question Select all correct answers to the following question: Which fruits are red in colour? Answer options A. Kiwi B. Banana C. Raspberries D. Strawberry Score distribution For this question type, you can choose to give 1 point for each correctly completed answer. Does a candidate give a wrong answer? Then make sure you deduct (part of) a point from the score. Advantages Offering different answer options within a closed question naturally has several advantages. These include: Easy to analyse: a big advantage is that you can easily analyse and assess this question type. After all, a (combined) answer is either right or wrong. Incidentally, this applies to several closed question types. Detailed insights: In the multiple select question, there are several possibilities of how the candidate answers the question. Thus, different answer options may often be chosen together. You can use this to gain a detailed understanding regarding the topic. Are there possible connections between the given options? Do candidates often choose ‘answer A’ together with ‘answer B’, and how could this be? Quick to answer: this question type has a limited number of answer options. Candidates are therefore able to make quick decisions while taking the test. If you use digital test software, they also do not spend much time clicking on different options in the question. This is very easy with the multiple select question. Changing answer options is also very easy. Disadvantages The multiple select question has unique question properties. Some disadvantages are listed below: Limited depth: Multiple select questions provide limited information about the user's answers. This is because the selected answer options do not provide in-depth information about the reasons behind the selections. Keys expert attention required: Constructing multiple select requires time and attention to detail. This is because the test constructor has to consider multiple correct answer options. Risk of asking too difficult a question: In a multiple select question, you can question different aspects of the subject matter. Therefore, make sure you set the question at the right level and do not make it too difficult. Chance of response bias: Answers to multiple select questions can be influenced by response bias. This involves the candidate selecting certain answer options based on what he thinks is expected or accepted rather than what he really thinks or feels. Tips Be clear: Make sure the options are clear and specific so that the candidate understands exactly what is being asked. Avoid negative language: Avoid negative or prohibitive language in the question or options so that the candidate feels comfortable answering the question. Take complexity into account: Keep in mind the complexity of the multiple select question. It is important to create questions that suit the candidate's level. Conclusion - Multiple select question in (digital) testing Using multiple select questions can be an effective tool within digital testing. However, it is important to make them clear, concrete and specific. It is always a good idea to critically consider which question type best suits your testing needs. Would you like to know more about this? Optimum Assessment is your partner in digital testing. Not only do we offer digital testing software, we also help you with test expert guidance!
