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What is the primary purpose of using multiple choice questions in applied linguistics?
What is the primary purpose of using multiple choice questions in applied linguistics?
What is the key characteristic of a well-constructed stem in a multiple choice question?
What is the key characteristic of a well-constructed stem in a multiple choice question?
What is the term used to describe an alternative that is plausible but not correct in a multiple choice question?
What is the term used to describe an alternative that is plausible but not correct in a multiple choice question?
What is the recommended way to present alternatives in a multiple choice question?
What is the recommended way to present alternatives in a multiple choice question?
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Why should complex multiple choice items be avoided?
Why should complex multiple choice items be avoided?
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What is a potential consequence of making multiple-choice questions too complex?
What is a potential consequence of making multiple-choice questions too complex?
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What is the primary purpose of keeping multiple-choice item content independent?
What is the primary purpose of keeping multiple-choice item content independent?
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According to Bloom's taxonomy, what level of cognition is required for analyzing problems?
According to Bloom's taxonomy, what level of cognition is required for analyzing problems?
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What is the benefit of designing multiple-choice alternatives that require a high level of discrimination?
What is the benefit of designing multiple-choice alternatives that require a high level of discrimination?
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What is the primary goal of writing multiple-choice items in applied linguistics?
What is the primary goal of writing multiple-choice items in applied linguistics?
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Study Notes
Multiple choice in applied linguistics is a popular method for assessing language proficiency. This assessment method involves presenting learners with a question or statement, followed by several answer choices, and asking them to select the best or correct answer. In applied linguistics, multiple choice questions (MCQs) are used for various purposes, including testing language knowledge, measuring comprehension, and evaluating language skills.
Constructing Effective Stems
The first step in creating effective multiple choice questions is to write a clear and concise stem, which is the main part of the question. The stem should provide enough information for the learner to understand the question and make an informed decision. It should also be free of ambiguity and irrelevant information.
Writing Good Alternatives
The alternatives, also known as answer choices, should be well-constructed and plausible. They should not be confusing or misleading, and they should not contain multiple distractors. A distractor is an alternative that is plausible but not correct. The alternatives should be presented in a logical order (e.g., alphabetical or numerical) to avoid a bias toward certain positions. The number of alternatives can vary among items as long as all alternatives are plausible.
Avoiding Complex Multiple Choice Items
It is important to avoid complex multiple choice items, in which some or all of the alternatives consist of different combinations of options. This can make the question too difficult to answer and may lead to guessing.
Keeping Content Independent
The specific content of multiple choice items should be independent of one another. This helps to prevent savvy test-takers from using information in one question to reduce the validity of the test.
Testing Higher-Order Thinking
When writing multiple choice items to test higher-order thinking, it is important to design questions that focus on higher levels of cognition as defined by Bloom's taxonomy. This includes applying course principles, analyzing problems, and evaluating alternatives. Designing alternatives that require a high level of discrimination can also contribute to multiple choice items that test higher order thinking.
Considerations for Writing Multiple Choice Items
When writing multiple choice items, there are several additional considerations to keep in mind. These include avoiding complex multiple choice items, keeping the specific content of items independent, and designing alternatives that require a high level of discrimination.
In summary, multiple choice in applied linguistics is a useful method for assessing language proficiency. By following best practices for constructing effective stems, writing good alternatives, avoiding complex multiple choice items, and considering factors that test higher-order thinking, linguists and educators can create accurate and reliable assessments that measure language skills and knowledge.
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Description
Learn how to create reliable and accurate assessments for language proficiency by constructing effective multiple choice questions. This quiz covers the best practices for writing stems, alternatives, and avoiding complex items, as well as considerations for testing higher-order thinking.
