MCQs and Higher-Order Thinking

Measuring Higher-Order Thinking

MCQs are often used to measure basic comprehension, but that is not a limitation of the assessment method - just of the questions written. The image below connects MCQs and Bloom's Taxonomy Links to an external site. and describes what kinds of learning is best suited for MCQ measurement. Only creative learning - students producing something novel - can't effectively be measured by MCQs, so don't rule out the possibilities. 

Image of Bloom's Taxonomy and how to connects to multiple-choice questions

 

Connie Malamed's online article "Writing Multiple Choice Questions for Higher Order Thinking Links to an external site. " provides great approaches to the kinds of MCQs that work well with thinking that sits higher on the pyramid.  

Each example has a "before" version (a typical lower-order thinking question) and an "after" (a question that offers better assessment of higher-order thinking). Each example only includes the stem and would be followed by multiple options in a real testing situation. 

  • Real-World Scenarios: connect your question with a real-world application of the skill being measured. 

Ex. 1 

Before: What symbol does a formula always start with in Excel?

After: If you want to total the first ten data cells in column B, which one of the following formulas should you use?

Ex. 2

Before: What is the first concern of an emergency worker?

After: You arrive at the scene of an accident where people are panicked and yelling. Three people appear to be injured. One person has scrapes and bruises, a second is lying on the ground moaning in pain and a third is quickly losing blood from a skull injury. Which person will you take care of first?

  • Analysis of Visuals or Context-Dependent Item Sets (Charts, Graphs, Tables, Ex.)

Ex. 1 

Before: Which country has the largest population?

After: What does this graph predict about world population in the year 2020?

Ex. 2

Before: Select the best definition of active listening.

After: Which video best demonstrates active listening during a call with an irate customer?

  • The Answer Plus the Reason Why

Ex. 1

Before: What are three signs of edema?

After: A patient entered the hospital with edema of both lower extremities. What action should the nurse take and why?

Ex. 2

Before: Name three qualities of effective entrepreneurs.

After: Review the financials of these three startup companies. Which one would you invest in and why?