Multiple Selection – How to Use on Exams

This page will introduce you to the feature of using ‘Multiple Selection’ question on exams. That is items which have more than one correct answer.

Note: This function may only be used for exam assignments and is compatible with either online or bubble sheet formats (scanning may only be done in pdf format, not through the bubble machines).  

1. What advantage is there to using multiple selection items?

This problem structure allows you to more accurately assess student knowledge by having them independently evaluate multiple statements or facets of a problem, and grade them according to their knowledge level. This is in contrast to the current, all-or-nothing multiple choice format where students choose between predetermined combinations of correct or incorrect answer choices.

     2. How are these items graded?

For each multiple selection item you will assign a certain number of answer choices as correct (N). For each of the correct items selected by the student, they will receive a fractional score of the available points. As an example, if an item is worth 10 points and there are ten total choices or which four are correct options (N=4), then each correct answer is worth 2.5 points. Students will lose half of this amount for each incorrect answer selected. So if a student selects 3 correct options and 1 incorrect option they get (10/N)*3 – 0.5*(10/N)*1 = 6.25 points.

    3. Creating Multiple Selection Questions

Through your ‘Editor’ role on Quest, when selecting to create a ‘New Question’ you would click the box for ‘Multiple Answer MC – HTML-based questions’.

There are a few sections of interest here when creating a new item. .

a. Body- this is where you write the text of a problem. Math environments do work here as shown in the image below. Variable definitions and randomization do not work as of spring 2023.

b. Answer choices- At least one correct answer choice must be written and identified, though you can add up to 10 choices. Note: Once an item is identified as correct this cannot be toggled off or deleted!

c. Explanation- Write your solution or justification of the answer choices here.

d. Parts- You may increase the number of parts to this question if desired.