Types of Testing

Topic 4: Common Item Types in Testing

Preview the attached chart. Then read the text.

Selected and Constructed Response

There are many types of assessment to choose from. The best type of assessment may depend on your situation. The number of students, subject material, and course goals are important factors to consider.

Questions on a test are called items. The answers to these items are called options. Generally, items fall into two categories:

 1) items that give students several options and they must choose the best one

2) items that require students to create the response

In selected response tests, students choose the best answer from two or more options. These types of tests are similar to the "Check your Understanding" quizzes you have seen in these materials. Selected response tests include multiple choice, true/false, and matching. These tests are more structured and usually have one clear answer.

You can see examples of each of these items on the attached file. For example, the multiple choice item asks you "What kind of test measures students' learning in a course?" You have a choice of three answers. You have to select the best answer as your response.

In contrast, constructed response tests require students to create the response themselves. They are not given any choices. Constructed response tests include fill-in-the-blank, short answer, projects, and performance assessments. These tests are open-ended and may have more than one correct answer. You can also see examples of each of these items on the attached file. For example, the short answer item asks you to write a paragraph. There are no choices to select an answer from. You must create your own response.