Making surveys or tests

Decide on format

True/False Fill in the blanks Matching Lists Multiple Choice

Make the choice

When to Use True/False

True/False questions require learners to make a definite judgment. A binary decision. They provide real world activities requiring thought processes which prove to be more accurate and valuable than a three-dimensional, immersive simulation that invokes only the decision-

making skills of a twitch-and-splat videogame. An example:

Paranormal activity is a proven science

True False

(Horton 2006)

When to use Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blank questions require learners to type in the answer to a question. Typically one or two word responses. Used mainly for recall of abbreviations, specific terms, or vocabulary words. The blank can be in any part of the sentence. It helps learners recall subject matter previously learned. Be sure it includes enough clues for learners to be able to answer. This type of question discourages guessing.

An example:

How many days is a cat considered a kitten?

_____________

(Horton, 2006)

When to use Matching Lists

Matching-list type questions require learners to specify which items in one list correspond to items in another. These questions work best to measure relationships among concepts, objects, and components.

An example:

Match With

Terms definitions

Pictures captions

people categories

diseases cures

(Horton, 2006)

When to use Multiple Choice

Multiple choice questions allow learners to choose an answer when more than one answer is correct or choose many answers that are correct to one question. Use this type of question to discourage guessing. The odds of guessing correctly are much less when the learner must select a specific combination of items.

An example:

What are the some animals found in Colorado?(check all that apply)

Moose Bald Eagle Buffalo Lion Big Horn Sheep Rock Hopper Penguin

(Horton, 2006)

Example of Multiple Choice

Are you satisfied with the parks in this neighborhood , neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with them , or dissatisfied with them ?

View Answer Options

Extremely satisfied Moderately satisfied Slightly satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Slightly dissatisfied Moderately dissatisfied Extremely dissatisfied Neighborhood Feedback Template

http://www.surveymonkey.com/create/questionbank?category_id=59&sm=hc6HyzlC1cP59T67Ihu4Hrdf/rK62A5A31DfGUMrzBs%3D

Length of Survey/Test

Once the format has been decided it is crucial to decide the length of the survey/test. Surveys for fun are an average of 15 to 30 minutes. Surveys for consumer/worker feedback should be no longer than 15 minutes. Chapter tests up to 30 minutes. Mid-term or Final tests can last up to the entire class time. One hour or more.

Examples of Surveys

The Stress Test

Is stress triggered by genes or by lifestyle? Help us investigate and get personalised tips for improving your mental well-being.Duration: 20 minutes

Examples (con’t.)

Art and Personality

Is there a connection between your personality type and the art that you like?

Duration: 15 minutes

Create the Survey/Test

When creating the survey/test it may be helpful to use templates that are provided on the main page of the web page. http://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/tour/surveytemplates/

Here is a list of the most popular: Academic/Research - Course Evaluation, Faculty Satisfaction, Public School

Survey General Business - Customer Service, Online Product Feedback, Business to

Business Marketing - New Product Announcement, Software Evaluation Non-Profit - Fundraising, Volunteer Recruitment, Membership Survey Satisfaction - Customer Satisfaction, Client Satisfaction Services - Dental Care, Medical Patient, Travel Social/Political - Advocacy Workshop, Event Feedback, High School Clubs

Decide the Distribution of the Survey/Test

Surveys in the past have been distributed by mail and over the telephone. Technology has enabled surveys to be conducted online with results able to be calculated instantly.

A well-executed survey can provide your initiative with a wealth of information about your constituents and their needs. We hope this section has given you the tools you need to conduct surveys that are effective and that give you the information you need to serve your constituents better! (Hampton and Viela, 2012)

Feedback

Once survey and tests have been taken learners will want to know results. It is important to respond as soon as possible. Test takers are eager to know if they passed or failed. If failed how they could improve their scores next time.

An example:

Congratulations. You passed. Sorry. You failed.

Your score: 85. Passing score: 75. Your score: 66. Passing score: 75

Continue with the next lesson. Review the summary and retake the rest

(Horton, 2006)

Processing Results

Once a survey has been completed it is possible to get real time results. See sample below.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/tour/realtimeresults/

Create professional charts & graphs from results

http://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/tour/chartsgraphs/

Downloading Results

Use excel to share data. Adobe PDF read only files or an HTML file

http://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/tour/downloadabledata/