Matching
Type
The matching type items may be
considered modified multiple choice
type items where the choices
progressively reduce as one successfully
matches the items on the left with the
items on the right.
The Matching
Format
The matching test item format provides a way for learners to
connect a word, sentence or phrase in one column to a corresponding
word, sentence or phrase in a second column. The items in the first
column are called premises and the answers in the second column are
the responses. The convention is for learners to match the premise on
the left with a given response on the right. By convention, the items in
Column A are numbered and the items in Column B are labeled with
capital letters.
● Many authoring tools come with a pre-built matching test item template, which may
involve dragging responses to the premise or typing the letters from Column B into
Column A. The authoring tool templates may vary from the conventions of the
written format.
When to Use
Matching
The matching test item format provides a change of pace,
particularly for self-check and review activities. Many instructional
designers employ them in quizzes and tests too. They are effective
when you need to measure the learner’s ability to identify the
relationship or association between similar items. They work best
when the course content has many parallel concepts, for example:
● Terms and Definitions
● Objects or Pictures and Labels
● Symbols and Proper Names
● Causes and Effects
● Scenarios and Responses
● Principles and Scenarios to which they apply
Guidelines for
Constructing
Matching Type
of Test
1 Match homogeneous not
heterogeneous items.!
The items to match must be homogeneous. If you want your
students to match authors with their literary works, in one column will
be authors and in the second column must be literary works. Don't
insert nationality for instance with names of authors. That will not be a
good item since it is obviously wrong.
Example of homogeneous items.
The items are all about the Filipino heroes, nothing more.
Match the items in Column A with the items in Column B.
1 Match homogeneous not
heterogeneous items.!
The items are all about the Filipino heroes, nothing more.
Match the items in Column A with the items in Column B.
2
The stem (longer in construction than
the options) must be in the first column
while the options (usually shorter) must
be in the second column.
3
The options must be more in number
than the stems to prevent the student
from arriving at the answer by mere
process of elimination.
4
To help the examinee find the
answer easier, arrange the options
alphabetically or chronologically,
whichever is applicable.
5
Like any other test, the direction of the
test must be given. The examinees must
know exactly what to do.
Analyze the matching type of test below. Is this perfect (an answer may
not be repeated) matching type of test written in accordance with the
guidelines given?
Matching type items,
unfortunately, often
test lower order
thinking skills
(knowledge level)
and are unable to
test higher order
thinking skills such
as application and
judgement skills.
Another type of a matching type of test is
the imperfect type.
Imperfect because an answer may be repeated and so like an
unfaithful husband or wife can pair with one other than his/her
lawful wife, husband.
In Column 1 are works and writings in American literature
and in Column 2 are their authors. Write the letter of the author
which corresponds to his work on the blank provided before each
author. In some cases, an answer may be repeated.
If you intend to make use of this imperfect type of matching test,
make sure you indicate so in the Direction to caution the students who
usually think that an answer may not be repeated.
Thanks!
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