Numerical questions in digital assessment: what are they and how do you use them? A numerical question is a closed question type in (digital) assessment that you can use to test specific, numerical knowledge. What are the unique characteristics of this question type and what are its advantages and disadvantages? What is a numerical question? A numerical question is a question that requires the candidate to give a specific number as the answer. In this closed question type gives the candidate an answer in the form of a number. Some examples of application include: calculating mortgage interest, sales tax or net income. Good digital test software offers an integrated calculator as an option within the test. That way, candidates do not have to bring their own calculator to the exam, which reduces the likelihood of exam cheating reduces. Example and score distribution of a numerical question An example of a numerical question is as follows: Question: What was Joe Biden's age when he became president of the United States on 20 January 2021? Correct answer: 78 years Point allocation - right-fail principle or tolerance? It is important to think about the allocation of points in this form of test. You can opt for a right-or-fail principle. The candidate only gets the points if he or she answers the question correctly. It is also possible to set a tolerance. Various options are available (e.g. +/-1 or +/- 5 years). Advantages of a numerical question A numerical question is very appropriate in some cases. We outline some of the advantages of this test question below. Accurate measurement: A numerical question allows the exam candidate to give a precise answer. This enables testing organisations to recognise and value knowledge and skills very accurately. Versatility: Numerical questions can be used to measure different types of knowledge. These include not-too-complicated calculations, formulas and geometric principles. Easy to assess: The answers to numerical questions are easily assessed and fed back for good testing software. This saves a lot of time and effort. Disadvantages of a numeric question Not always relevant: Numerical questions are not always relevant to the subject matter being tested. Time-intensive for the candidate: In somewhat difficult questions, numerical questions often contain several steps to arrive at an answer. This costs the candidate time during test-taking. Only the end result counts: The disadvantage of this question type is that it is not so suitable for very complicated calculations. In that case, you also want to be able to understand and assess the calculation, rather than ‘just’ the final result. Drafting tips There are some tips you can keep in mind if you want to use numerical questions within your (digital) test. Determine the precision: It is important to clearly define and state how many decimal places are expected in the answer. This prevents exam candidates from entering too many or too few digits. Allow for rounding: If the demand calls for rounding, it is important to establish clear and consistent rules for this. Use realistic figures: Make sure the figures used in the question are realistic and fit the situation being described. Avoid confusing questions: Make sure the question is clear and understandable so that exam candidates are not confused. Conclusion - Numerical question in digital testing The numerical question is an important question type in today's (digital) testing landscape. Convenient tools such as built-in calculators ensure that candidates can fully concentrate on the test. Developing a numerical question does require the necessary expert knowledge. Want more information on this? Optimum Assessment is your partner in digital testing.
