True/False Questions
Definition
The true/false question is a simple statement that is either
true or false.
Characteristics of true/false questions
- Used to measure ability to identify whether statements of facts,
principles, generalizations, relationships, or evaluative statements
are correct
- Can be factual or can be a thought question that requires reasoning
- Can be used in most disciplines
- Used to quickly poll a class as an introduction to a discussion or
determine knowledge of topic
Example - good
The true/false item is also called an alternative-response item.
a. True
b. *False
Example - bad
The true-false item, which is favored by all test experts, is also
called an alternative-response item.
a. True
b. *False
Main error: Contains two ideas and therefore is confusing.
Advantages of true/false questions
- Quite easy to write
- Easy to score
- Scoring is objective.
Disadvantages
- Students have a 50 percent chance of being correct, just by chance.
- May be perceived as an unfair judgment of learning
- Encourages guessing since there are only two alternatives.
- Need a larger number of items to distinguish stronger and weaker
knowledge levels.
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