Activity: Good/Poor multiple-choice questions

For each pair of questions, decide which question is better and why.

Question 1

1A. The promiscuous use of sprays, oils, and antiseptics in the nose during acute colds is a pernicious practice because it may have a deleterious effect on:

1. the sinuses
2. red blood cells
3. white blood cells
4. the olfactory nerve

1B. Frequent use of sprays, oils, and antiseptics in the nose during a bad cold may result in:

1. the spreading of the infection to the sinuses
2. damage to the olfactory nerve
3. destruction of white blood cells
4. congestion of the mucous membrane in the nose

Question 2

2A. In 1965, the death rate from accidents of all types per 100,000 population in the 15-24 age group was:

1. 59.0
2. 59.1
3. 59.2
4. 59.3

2B. In 1965, the leading cause of death per 100,000 population in the 15-24 age group was from:

1. respiratory disease
2. cancer
3. accidents
4. rheumatic heart disease

Question 3

3A. About how many calories are recommended daily for a 14-year old who is 62 in. tall, weighs 103 lbs., and is moderately active?

1. 1,500
2. 2,000
3. 2,500
4. 3,000

3B. About how many calories are recommended daily for a 14-year old who is 62 in. tall, weighs 103 lbs., and is moderately active?

1. 0
2. 2,000
3. 2,500
4. 3,000

Question 4

4A. Which of the following is a category in the taxonomy of the cognitive domain?

1. Reasoning ability
2. Critical thinking
3. Rote learning
4. All of the above
5. None of the above

4B. What is the most complex level in the taxonomy of the cognitive domain?

1. Knowledge
2. Synthesis
3. Evaluation
4. Analysis
5. Comprehension

Question 5

5A. The mean of a distribution of test scores is the:

1. Most frequently occurring score
2. Arithmetic average
3. 50th percentile
4. Measure of score range

5B. A school developed an aptitude test to use for admission to its Honors Program. The test was administered to a group of seven applicants who obtained the following scores: 70,72,72,80,89,94,98. The mean score on the aptitude test is:

1. 72
2. 82
3. 80
4. 90

Answer