Identifying Flawed True/False Items

For each item or pair of items, decide what is wrong or which item is better and why. When you have come to a conclusion, "hover" your mouse button over the center of the blue rectangle below the question. If the answer isn't revealed, see the answers at the bottom of the page.

1A. According to your textbook, alcoholism is a disease.

a. True
b. False

1B. Alcoholism is a disease.

a. True
b. False

Which is the better question?

1A is better.

Why is it better?

The statement in 1B is an opinion, not necessarily a fact.

2A. Tuberculosis is a communicable disease.

a. True
b. False

2B. Tuberculosis is not a noncommunicable disease.

a. True
b. False

Which is the better question?

2A is better.

Why is it better?

2B is confusing because of the double negative.

3A. The true/false item is more subject to guessing but it should be used in place of a multiple-choice item, if well constructed, when there is a dearth of distracters that are plausible.

a. True
b. False

3B. The true/false item should be used in place of a multiple-choice item when only two alternatives are possible.

a. True
b. False

Which is the better question?

3B is better.

Why is it better?

The language in 3B is simple, clear, and concise.

4A. A statement of opinion should never be used in a true/false item.

a. True
b. False

4B. A statement of opinion, by itself, cannot be marked true or false.

a. True
b. False

Which is the better question?

4B is better.

Why is it better?

True/false statements should avoid absolutes.

ANSWER KEY

1A is better. The statement in 1B is an opinion, not necessarily a fact.

2A is better. 2B is confusing because of the double negative.

3B is better. The language in 3B is simple, clear, and concise.

4B is better. True/false statements should avoid absolutes.