Hi Farzana,
We follow a similar policy to Don, allocating approximately 60 second per question. More complex questions (eg. solving equations, or performing calculations) are allocated 90-120 seconds.
This leads to most of our online MCQ exams being ~30-35 minutes in duration (30 questions).
Best,
Ben
Ben Steeples
Learning Technologist, WaLT
University of Essex
mailto:[log in to unmask]
Ext. 4483
-----Original Message-----
From: Computer-assisted assessment [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Don Mackenzie
Sent: 24 June 2009 15:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Amount of time to allow for mcq
Hi Farzana,
Having had experience of many undergraduate e-assessments over the last nearly 20 years and the time taken by students to answer them, I would say that a useful rule of thumb as a starting point is to allow one minute per question for straightforward mcqs with short content in questions and answers + add a bit to make a round figure - e.g. 1 hour for 50 questions (too many if just mcqs in my opinion), 30 mins for 25 questions etc.
Most students may complete the test comfortably in this time given straightforward questions and a sound knowledge. However, as you say - questions can vary and more testing questions may require a degree of thinking time or time to undertake calculations rather than just plucking an answer out of the head. I guess it would be possible to set a single mcq that would take 1 hour to answer properly (without guessing) if it was necessary for the user to test each answer by means of some complex calculation or similar before coming to a judgement as to the 'best answer' from many. How long is a piece of string? Difficult to judge without seeing the test content. However I have not searched out any research in this area, my observations are purely from practical experience and no doubt you will get others in this forum that will allow you to make a judgement.
Best regards
Don
Prof. Don Mackenzie
e-Assessment Research Manager
Innovation for Learning
University of Derby
Kedleston Rd.
Derby
DE22 1GB
England
Tel +44 (0)1332 591929
________________________________________
From: Computer-assisted assessment [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Farzana Khandia [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 24 June 2009 14:06
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Amount of time to allow for mcq
Hi
Is anyone aware of any research into the appropriate time to allow for the answering of a mcq (barring factors such as amount of text, complexity of question etc)?
I wonder how the DSA decided on the optimum time to allow for the driving theory test, they must have conducted some research on this?
Thanks
Farzana
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Farzana Khandia
Online Learning Support Officer
Loughborough University
Leicestershire
LE113TU
Phone: +(44) 01509 226056
Email: [log in to unmask]
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