Multiple-Choice Glossary
Alternative

The answer part of a multiple-choice question. A correct alternative is called a "key". An incorrect alternative is called a "distracter".

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Analysis

Analysis refers to the ability to break down material into its component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood. This may include the identification of the parts, analysis of the relationships between parts, and recognition of the organizational principles invoved. Learning outcomes here represent a higher intellectual level than comprehension and application because they requirw an understanding of both the content and the structural form of the material.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Application

Application refers to the ability to use learned material in new and concrete situations. This may include the application of such things as rules, methods, concept, principles, laws, and theories. Learning outcomes in this area require a higher level of understanding than those under comprehension.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Bloom's Taxonomy

Six categories of cognitive objectives organized by complexity: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation. The behaviors in the taxonomy include implicit and overt behaviors.

Comprehension

Comprehension is defined as the ability to grasp the meaning of material. This may be shown by translating material from one form to another (words to numbers), by interpreting material (explaining or summarizing), and by estimating future trends (predicting consequences or effects). These learning outcomes go one step beyond the siple remembering of material, and represent the lowest level of understanding.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Context Dependent

The item provides information separate from the question stem, such as a diagram or short passage. Thus, the stem has meaning only in relation to the passage or information provided.

"Every man, as long as he does not violate the laws of justice, should be left perfectly free to pursue his own interest his own way, and to bring both his industry and capital into competition with those of any other man, or order of men."
-18th century author
  1. The author of the passage suggests that A. a government should regulate the economic activities of its people B. people should be allowed to make their own economic decisions C. a labor union should regulate the economic activities of its members D. individuals should ignore unjust laws when making economic decisions

Discrete Item

This item stands on its own without any additional directions or information. It may take the form of a question or an incomplete statement.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Distracter

An alternative in a multiple-choice question which is an incorrect answer.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption b) planned obsolescence c) materialism d) scarcity --------------Key
(A) to (C) are incorrect and so distracters. The correct answer is (D).

(I don't like the term "distracter" much because it sounds like we are trying to trick the student into a wrong answer, but we're stuck with it. Just remember, the only students who should be distracted by an incorrect alternative are those who have not mastered the material.)

Evaluation

Evaluation is concerned with the ability to judge the value of material (statement, novel, poem, research report) for a given purpose. The judgements are to be based on definite criteria. These may be internal criteria (organization) or external criteria (relevance to the purpose) and the student may determine the criteria of be given them. Learning outcomes in this area are highest in the cognitive hierarchy because they contain elements of all of the other categories, plus conscious value judgements based on clearly defined criteria.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Key

The correct answer to a question; the list of correct answers to a test.

Knowledge
Knowledge is defined as the remebering of previously learned material. This may involve the recal of a wide range of material, from specific facts to complete theories, but all that is required is the bringing to mind of the appropriate information. Knowledge represents the lowest level of learning outcomes in the cognitive domain.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.

Stem

The "question" part of a multiple-choice question.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called --stem a) mass consumption b) planned obsolescence c) materialism d) scarcity

Synthesis

Synthesis refers to the ability to put parts together to from a new whole. This may involve the production of a unique communication (theme or speech), a plan of operations (research proposal), of a set of abstract relations (scheme for classiflying information). Learning outcomes in this area stress creative behaviors, with major emphasis on the formulation of new patterns of structures.

  1. The shortage of a product or resource is called a) mass consumption ------distracter b) planned obsolescence --distracter c) materialism -----------distracter d) scarcity --------------key
Alternatives are in bold; (A) to (C) are incorrect, and so are "distracters"; (D) is correct and so the "key" to the question.