About Single Select Problems#
In single select problems, learners select one option from a list of answer options. Unlike dropdown problems, where the answer choices do not appear until the learner selects the dropdown arrow, answer choices for single select problems are immediately visible directly below the question.
Single select problems can also have several advanced options, such as reordering, or shuffling, the set of answer choices for each learner. For more information about these options, see Edit Single Select Problems using the Advanced Editor.
Example Single Select Problem#
In the LMS, learners select a single answer option to complete a single select problem. An example of a completed single select problem follows.
Pedagogical Considerations for Single Select Questions#
It is recommended the use, whenever possible, of authentic assessment rather than single select questions for graded problems. The use of authentic assessment in online courses tends to lead to better learning outcomes. In addition, authentic assessment allows for infinite attempts, mastery learning, and more intellectual risk taking, which lead to substantially better learning outcomes.
Single select questions do have these uses.
Ungraded single select questions can help students think about a concept in the context of knowledge transfer.
For many subject areas, authentic assessments are either unavailable or prohibitively complex to use. In such courses, single select questions can act as the only available fall back.
Fortunately, single select questions are among the best studied in assessment literature. A few guidelines for the creation of such questions follow.
Organize the set of answers logically. Use consistent phrasing for the answers, and when possible, parallel structure.
Place as many of the words in the stem as possible, and keep the answers as concise as possible.
The distractors should not be substantially shorter, longer, or use different structure than the correct answer. The answer options should be as consistent in structure, length, and phrasing as possible.
Avoid using negatives (and especially double negatives) in the question and the answers.
Test higher order thinking (comprehension and critical thinking). Avoid simple recall.
If you specify a finite number of attempts, avoid trick questions and try to keep wording clear and unambiguous.
Make all distractors plausible.
Use “All of the above” and “None of the above” answer options with caution. If a learner can identify at least two correct answers, it can give away the answer with only partial comprehension.
See also
Add a Single Select Problem (how to)
Single Select Problem OLX Reference (reference)
Award Partial Credit in a Multiple Choice Problem (how to)
Edit Single Select Problems using the Advanced Editor (how to)
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