Identifying Flawed Multiple-Choice Items
For the pairs of items numbered 1-4, decide which item is better designed and why.(Zimmaro, 2004:27-28). The correct answer is indicated by *Critique the layout of this page.
1A. The promiscuous use of sprays, oils, and antiseptics in the nose during acute colds is a pernicious practice because it may have a deleterious effect on:
a. the sinuses
b. red blood cells
c. white blood cells
d. the olfactory nerve
1B. Frequent use of sprays, oils, and antiseptics in the nose during a bad cold may result in:
a. the spreading of the infection to the sinuses *
b. damage to the olfactory nerve
c. destruction of white blood cells
d. congestion of the mucous membrane in the nose
2A. In 1965, the death rate from accidents of all types per 100,000 population in the 15-24 age group was:
a. 59.0
b. 59.1
c. 59.2
d. 59.3
2B. In 1965, the leading cause of death per 100,000 population in the 15-24 age group was from:
a. respiratory disease
b. cancer
c. accidents *
d. rheumatic heart disease
3A. About how many calories are recommended daily for a 14-year old who is 62 in. tall, weighs 103 lbs., and is moderately active?
a. 1,500
b. 2,000
c. 2,500*
d. 3,000
3B. About how many calories are recommended daily for a 14-year old who is 62 in. tall, weighs 103 lbs., and is moderately active?
a. 0
b. 2,000
c. 2,500*
d. 3,000
4A. Which one of the following is a category in the taxonomy of the cognitive domain?
a. Reasoning ability
b. Critical thinking
c. Rote learning
d. All of the above
e. None of the above *
4B. What is the most complex level in the taxonomy of the cognitive domain?
a. Knowledge
b. Synthesis
c. Evaluation *
d. Analysis
e. Comprehension
What are the flaws in the design of MCQs 5-14?
There may be more than one flaw. In these examples, the correct answer (*) is given for some questions.
5.Which one of the following did NOT contribute to the eighteenth century Industrial Revolution in Britain?
a)rapid technological change in the textile industry
b)enclosure and consolidation of agricultural lands
c)introduction of gold as a convenient medium of exchange *
d)increased trade with other nations
e)invention and application of the steam engine
6.For interactionists, which of the following is generally identified as the cause of deviance?
a)Subcultures
b)the individual
c)Society
d)Biology
7.What was the topic of the Week 10 lecture (Crime and Deviance)?
a)What is crime?
b)Deviance Today?
c)Crime Today?
d)What is Deviance?
8.According to van Krieken et al (2000:454-456), contemporary crime in Australia:
a)Is less than the 19th Century
b)Must be considered in relation to the shrinking dark figure of crime
c)Both (a) and (b)
d)None of the above
9.In composite materials:
a)The matrix materials should be ductile
b)The elastic modulus of the fibre should be much higher than the matrix
c)The matrix serves as a barrier to crack propagation
d)The largest proportion of the applied load should be sustained by the matrix *
e)All of the above except (d)
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10.In the reaction Fe + 2 HCl => Fe 2+ + H2+ 2Cl-
a)The hydrogen is reduce *
b)The oxidation at the cathode
c)There are no redox reaction
d)The hydrochloric acid is oxidised
e)The iron is reduced
11.The kidneys:
a)are located in a position that is retroperitoneal.
b)are surrounded by a renal capsule.
c)are protected by the 9th and 10th ribs of the rib cage.
d)are a) and b) only.
e)are all of the above.
12. Which of the following provides the best indication that somatosensory pathways are affected by Gilda’s multiple sclerosis?
a)Gilda has fuzzy vision.
b)Gilda has strange sensations in her arms.
c)Gilda is having trouble performing the cognitive skills required in her job.
d)Gilda has become increasingly clumsy.
e)Gilda has weakness in her legs.
13. Ethnicity theories emphasise:
a)National identity
b)Hansonism
c)Symbolism
d)Race
14.Materials with hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure are generally:
a)Soft and ductile *
b)Hard and ductile
c)Much softer than materials with FCC crystal structure
d)Have few slip systems
e)Soft and brittle
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