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Taxonomies are a useful tool for developing good tests and exams. In fact, a taxonomy helps you better classify and categorize test questions. Are you not yet familiar with this methodology? Then read 4 reasons to use taxonomies in (digital) testing.
A taxonomy is a chosen, artificial classification of objects. Simply put, a way of layout that you choose. For example, if you choose to classify foods according to the Disk of Five (proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables, etc.) your taxonomy will look different than if you choose to classify foods according to their nutritional value (carbohydrates, fats, energy, etc.). For example, in education we use a taxonomy to categorize learning activities and learning objectives. A taxonomy in testing focuses on the classification of test questions.
To better understand what a taxonomy can do for assessment, we will first take a closer look at how to organize learning activities. What a number of taxonomies have in common is the arrangement of simple, lower-order learning activities into complex, higher-order learning activities.
The impact of classification can be very large. For example, a test that measures thinking skills is different from a test with knowledge questions. Differences in classification may even lead to different forms of testing. For example, a knowledge test fits well with lower order learning activities, where with higher order learning activities a thesis assignment or practical exam is more appropriate.
Some examples of
| Lower order | Higher order | |
| Traffic Theory | To name the meaning of traffic signs | Explaining who has the right of way in a variety of situations and why |
| Transportation and logistics | Knowing what documents are needed for export | Transportation planning |
| Woodworking | Name the uses of woodworking tools | Hanging a shelf on the wall |
| Administration | Knowing different VAT rates | Calculate VAT of different goods and services |
The use of taxonomy contributes to the quality of testing in several ways:
A candidate can better prepare for the test when he knows the proportion of knowledge, understanding, application and analysis. You prepare differently when you need to recognize things (memorize) than when you need to be able to apply or explain models (practice, explain in your own words).
In addition to classifying learning objectives, a taxonomy also guides the test developer in determining test content. This way, the test developer knows whether to include knowledge questions or comprehension or application questions. A taxonomy makes it easy to verify that tests and test questions fit the intended level of learning objectives. The test thus better measures what it intends to measure. One could even argue that the validity of the test is increased by the use of a taxonomy.
If you use a taxonomy to indicate the intended level of a test, you can verify that all tests meet that level. Suppose you have as a standard that every test contains between 30% and 40% application questions. If you classify the test questions you can immediately see if this is indeed the case. This can be very important because, for example, application questions often take much longer than knowledge questions and are sometimes more difficult.
It is quick to say that a test is way too easy or too difficult. With a taxonomy, however, you show that the level of the test has been thought through. Of course, it is also better for support if you develop equivalent, valid tests.
Even though using a taxonomy sometimes generates discussion, that is precisely when a taxonomy can help make the right choices. Taxonomies lead to grounded, high-quality assessment. This blog gave you four reasons to use taxonomies. Still have questions about the use of taxonomies? Then contact us, our (test expert) consultants will be happy to tell you more.
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