In selection type test items several possible answers/alternatives for each question are already given and the students are only required to select the correct or best answer in them instead of recalling facts or information from their own memories and supplying them. Therefore, this type of test items are comparatively easy to answer than the supply type test items. Selection type test items are generally consist of the following Types:
a. True-false or alternative-response Type Test Items
This type of test items consist of declarative statements in which the students have to point out the true or false, right or wrong, or correct or incorrect statements according to the directions of the test developer. For example:
This type of test items consist of declarative statements in which the students have to point out the true or false, right or wrong, or correct or incorrect statements according to the directions of the test developer. For example:
Read the following statements and write T for true and F for false statements.
i. Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis.
iii. Fern is a flowering plant.
b. Matching Type Test Items
Matching type test items consist of two different sets/groups of statements, words, phrases, numbers, dates and events, symbols etc. These sets/groups are usually written in two opposite columns. For example, set X is written in column A while set Y is written in column B. Students are required to match an item in column A with an item in column B on the basis of some logical relationship/connection between them. For example:
Match the animals in column A with their respective groups in column B. You can use a word in Column B once, more than once or not at all.
Column A Column B
Snake Fish
Toad Mammals
Dolphin Reptile
Whale Amphibian
Monkey Bird
USES OF MATCHING TEST ITEMS
Matching test items are usually used for measuring the ability of students to identify a connection/relationship between two things. This relationship may exists in the form of time, date, place, events, class, physical characteristics etc.
ADVANTAGES:
i. Matching test items can be used for measuring the ability of students to identity the relationship among numerous things in a relatively short time.
ii. Matching test items are easy to construct.
LIMITATIONS:
i. Matching test items are limited to measuring the information based on root learning. So they can’t be used for measuring complex abilities.
ii. They are highly susceptible to the presence of irrelevant clues, which minimize its functionality.
iii. Sometimes, it is difficult to find relevant homogeneous materials to be used as the test items.
SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTING MATCHING TEST ITEMS
i. Use only homogeneous items in the list of premises (items for which a match is sought) and responses (items from which a selection is made).
ii. The number of responses should be more than the number of premises.
iii. Place the words in alphabetical order and numbers in sequence in the list of premises and responses.
iv. Direct the students that they can use an item in the list of responses once, more than once or not at all.
v. Tell the students about the basis upon which the match is sought.
vi. Place responses to the right of premises.
