Smart question (sQ): Tool for generating multiple-choice test questions

Abstract

When putting together collections of practice questions for multiple-choice standardized tests in math/science, it is important that we test a student's ability on a particular type of question over and over again. Thus, it is best to present a question with different numbers and/or shuffled answers. As a result of that, thousands of combinations can be produced from a particular question. Smart question is a concept where a static question, with fixed numbers and answer choices, is converted to a dynamic question with parameters. The parameters have a list of possible values, and the answer choices are unordered. A smart question is turned into specific static question instances through question generation software. Smart question concept simplifies generation of numerous similar questions from a question template, and it also saves tremendous space in a database. We have developed a software tool called sQ, which facilitates question design with its sQd interface, allows creation of parameter specification lists with sQp, and generates questions through sQg. © 2010 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.