Matching Test Items in Assessment

Overview

• Matching test items are commonly used in assessments alongside multiple choice questions.
• They are often divided into parts:
  • Part 1: Multiple Choice
  • Part 2: Matching Test Items
  • Part 3: True or False

Anatomy of a Matching Test Item

• Column A: Known as the Stem or Problem
  • Can also be referred to as Stimuli
• Column B: Known as the Responses
• Importance of order:
  • The stem must come first, followed by responses in accordance with the stimulus-response theory in educational psychology.

Key Rules for Writing Matching Test Items

1. Clear Directions

   • Include instructions that specify how to match stimuli with responses to avoid confusion.
   • Example of clear instructions: "On the line to the left of each identifying location and characteristic in column 1, write the letter of the country in column 2 that is best defined."

2. Consistent Information Foundation

   • Ensure all items share the same foundation of information (e.g., all events, all people).
   • Avoid mixing different categories within a single matching question.

3. Avoid Grammatical Clues

   • Write items in a way that does not provide clues through grammar, ensuring the test measures what it intends to.
   • Example of undesirable matching: "Plato insisted that government was A, the prince."
   • Desirable matching example: Set clear, relevant problems without giving unnecessary clues.

4. Clarity of Stimuli

   • The stimuli in column A should clearly state the question or problem being asked.
   • Ensure students understand what is being asked without confusion.

Additional Considerations

• Review teaching objectives before constructing items to ensure alignment with learning goals.
• Keep matching items brief (10-15 items recommended).
• Provide more response options than stems (e.g., for 10 stems, provide 11-12 responses).
• Arrange responses systematically (alphabetically or chronologically) to minimize patterns.
• Ensure no multiple correct responses are allowed for clarity.
• Keep all items on one page to avoid confusion from page flipping.

Variations of Matching Tests

• Keyless or Masterless Matching:
  • Students select from fixed responses based on given characteristics.
• Ranking Example:
  • Students rank statements based on frequency or chronological order from most to least or earliest to latest.