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The QuizSite display syntax consists
of seven components, plus comments. Each question that you place in
QuizSite (by uploading) must contain a Display Type, Question
Identification Number, Question Stem, and one or more Alternatives. Although
you can store questions that do not have Topics in QuizSite, this
practice not recommended, for Topics are used to select individual questions
for assembly into a test or quiz. As the following table shows, the remaining
components are optional:
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Certain values are valid for each component. If you are reading this document
on-line, or if you print the document with a color printer, the required
characters for each component appear in blue and
the permitted characters appear in black.
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| This section contains examples of the syntax for each display type.
The table of Question and corresponding Display Types is reproduced below.
The first step is to decide which display type is appropriate for each of
your questions.
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| Display Type | RADIO
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RADIO is appropriate for displaying multiple choice questions and
true/false questions. Here is an example of a multiple choice question, from
Thorndike and Hagen (1977), as it would appear on a paper-based test:
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| Paper |
1. Which of the following would
result in the greatest reduction of calories if it were eliminated from the daily diet?
A. One tablespoon of butter
B. One tablespoon of granulated sugar
C. One slice of white, enriched bread
D. One boiled egg
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| Screen | Here is how the same multiple choice question appears on the screen when
the RADIO display type is used:
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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RADIO[197301](quiz_3,basic_nutrition_quiz,application,easy,nutrition,calories)
Which of the following would result in the greatest reduction of calories if
it were eliminated from the daily diet? @ + A. One tablespoon of butter @ - B. One tablespoon of granulated
sugar @ - C. One slice of white,
enriched bread @ - D. One boiled
egg WRONG: See comparison chart on page 36 of textbook ... Click the circle to
indicate your choice. ;;; from
Thorndike & Hagen (1977, p. 234)
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| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Feedback | The preceding question is shown again as it would be typed into a file, but with feedback for each alternative. The question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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RADIO[197301](quiz_3,basic_nutrition_quiz,application,easy,nutrition,calories)
Which of the following would result in the greatest reduction of calories if
it were eliminated from the daily diet? @ + A. One tablespoon of butter RESPONSE: Butter is the correct answer. @ - B. One tablespoon of granulated
sugar RESPONSE: Sugar has many calories, but one of the other choices might have more. @ - C. One slice of white,
enriched bread RESPONSE: Bread is relatively low in calories. @ - D. One boiled
egg RESPONSE: A boiled egg has more calories than butter? WRONG: See calorie comparison chart on page 36 of textbook ... Click the circle to
indicate your choice. ;;; from
Thorndike & Hagen (1977, p. 234)
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| Template: RADIO |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the RADIO
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
RADIO[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | SELECT
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SELECT is also appropriate for displaying multiple choice
questions and true/false questions. The difference between RADIO and SELECT
is in the appearance of the question on the screen. RADIO displays the
question and alternatives in a manner that is similar to the way they appear
on paper. SELECT "hides" the alternatives in a drop-down list. When the
student activates the lists by clicking as indicated, the alternatives are
revealed. The student makes a choice by clicking on one alternative. Only
one alternative can be selected at a time. Selecting a second alternative
de-selects the previous alternative. SELECT can be used whenever RADIO is appropriate, and is most useful when the amount of screen space consumed by a question must be mininized. For example, if a multiple choice question has many alternatives, say more than five, consider using SELECT. A multiple choice question, from Thorndike and Hagen (1977), is used to illustrate. Here is the question as it would appear on a paper-based test:
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| Paper |
2. When a nutrient has been added
that is not present in the natural food, the food is said to be:
A. pasteurized.
B. processed.
C. fortified.
D. refined.
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| Screen | Here is how the same multiple choice question appears on the screen when
the SELECT display type is used:
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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SELECT[1.97.302](quiz_1,test_3,knowledge,easy,nutrition,nutrients)
When a nutrient has been added that is not present in the natural food, the
food is said to be @ -A. pasteurized. @ -B. processed. @ +C. fortified. @ -D. refined. WRONG: Read chapter 3 again. ... Click box for choices. Click
on alternative to show your choice. ;;; from
Thorndike & Hagen (1977, p. 229)
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| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Feedback |
Here is the same question but this code will provide differential feedback to
the student depending on the particular alternative that is chosen.
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SELECT[1.97.302](quiz_1,test_3,knowledge,easy,nutrition,nutrients)
When a nutrient has been added that is not present in the natural food, the
food is said to be @ -A. pasteurized. RESPONSE: Look up this word in a dictionary. @ -B. processed. RESPONSE: Yes, but maybe ther is a better choice. @ +C. fortified. RESPONSE: This is correct. @ -D. refined. RESPONSE: This term refers to sugar. WRONG: Read chapter 3 again. ... Click box for choices. Click
on alternative to show your choice. ;;; from
Thorndike & Hagen (1977, p. 229)
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| Template: SELECT |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the SELECT
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
SELECT[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | ESSAY
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The ESSAY display type is appropriate any time an instructor
wishes to collect written responses.
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| Paper |
Here is an essay question, from Stalnaker (1951, p. 527) as it would appear
on a paper-based test:
Take time to plan the answers you write on the following questions. You will be graded on (1) organization of the material, (2) intelligent use of facts to illustrate the general statements or arguments, (3) accuracy of the factual material related to the question.
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| Screen | Here is how the essay question appears on the screen when
the ESSAY display type is used:
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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ESSAY[197303](test_5,final,synthesis,moderate ,government,president)
Take time to plan the answers you write on the following questions. You will
be graded on (1) organization of the material, (2) intelligent use of facts
to illustrate the general statements or arguments, (3) accuracy of the
factual material related to the question. <p> "The power of the president of the United States depends entirely upon the personality and policies of the man who holds office." To what extent is this statement true? Illustrate your arguments by reference to the administrations of two presidents. <p>
@ |
| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Template: ESSAY |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the ESSAY
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
ESSAY[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | CHECK
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The CHECK display type is appropriate when a question requires students
to mark more than one correct alternative.
| Paper | Here is a "check all that apply" question from
Gerberich (1956): 4. John had a poor appetite and was frequently constipated. The doctor told him to increase the amount of vitamin B in his diet. Check each food that would furnish a sufficient amount of vitamin B so that you would advise that he add it to his diet. _______ A. Split pea soup
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| Screen | Here is how the same question appears on the screen when
the CHECK display type is used:
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| Screen |
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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CHECK[197304](quiz_1,test_3,knowledge,easy,nutrition,nutrients)
John had a poor appetite and was frequently constipated. The doctor told him
to increase the amount of vitamin B in his diet. Check each food that would
furnish a sufficient amount of vitamin B so that you would advise that he add
it to his diet. @ + A. Split pea soup @ + B. Green vegetables @ - C. Cereals, such as cooked rice and white bread @ - D. Salad dressing @ - E. Butter @ - F. Oatmeal @ + G. Milk WRONG:Read chapter 3 again. ... Click all boxes that apply.
;;; from Gerberich (1956)
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| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Template: CHECK |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the CHECK
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
CHECK[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | MATCH
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The MATCH display type is used with only with the matching question type.
Matching questions consist of several problems whos answers must be
drawn from a single list of possible answers.
| Paper | Here is a matching question, adapted from
Thorndike and Hagen (1956, p. 245): 5. Instructions: Below are given four kinds of appeals that advertisers of health and beauty products make.
A. Appeal to fear or sense of insecurity.Statements 1 to 6 are advertisements of imaginary products. Read each statement carefully. For each statement, mark the letter of the appeal that is being used. Answer choices may be used more than once.
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| ________ | 1. Don't let iron-tired blood get you down. Keep
your verve and vivacity. Take Infantol.
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| ________ | 2. Research shows Lucy's Little Lethal Pills
are 10 times more effective than ordinary pain-killers.
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| ________ | 3. Dutchess Poorhouse, the international
beauty, bathes her face twice a day with Myrtle's Turtle Oil.
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| ________ | 4. Men, are you tired of a woman's deoderant?
Be a man. Use No-Sweat. Leave the weaker stuff to the weaker sex.
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| ________ | 5. At $1,629.21 the Inside Jogger is not for
everyone. Only a select few can be proud owners of one! Are you one of these?
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| ________ | 6. Be one of the crowd. Drink and serve
Popsie's Cola.
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| Screen | Here is how the same question appears in QuizSite when the MATCH display type is used: | |
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in
QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following
text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and
alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed
in blue. Note that the default alternative,
"Click here for a list of appeals", is labeled @X.
Also note that you should not use a default alternative if you have more than five alternatives, as it will trigger a bug that does not display the alternatives in the correct order. |
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MATCH[197305](quiz_4,test_2,comprehension,easy,communication,advertising)
Instructions: Below are given four kinds of appeals that advertisers of
health and beauty products make. <p> <blockquote> A. Appeal to fear or sense of insecurity. <br></blockquote> Statements 1 to 6 are advertisements of imaginary products. Read each statement carefully. For each statement, mark the letter of the appeal that is being used. Answer choices may be used more than once.
@X Click here for list of appeals
@a 1. Don't let iron-tired blood get you down.
Keep your verve and
vivacity. Take Infantol.
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| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Template: MATCH |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the MATCH
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
MATCH[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | OPEN
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OPEN is appropriate for displaying short-answer and completion questions
when a non-numeric response is needed. Here is a completion question as it
might appear on a paper-based test:
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| Paper |
Write the answer to the question on the blank provided. A word will be
sufficient. 6. In Silas Marner, who said, "The truth lies atween you; you're both right and both wrong, as I allays say"? _____________________
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| Screen | Here is how the same completion question appears on the screen when
the OPEN display type is used:
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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OPEN[197.30.6](test_5,knowledge,easy,Silas_Marner)
Write the answer to the question on the blank provided. A word will be
sufficient.<p>
6. In Silas Marner, who said, "The truth lies atween you;
you're both right and both wrong, as I allays say"? |
| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Template: OPEN |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the OPEN
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
OPEN[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | NUMERIC
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NUMERIC is appropriate for displaying completion questions when a numeric
response is needed. Rather than specifying a single numeric value to be
scored as the only correct value, you can specify a range of values to be
scored as correct. Here is a completion question as it might appear on a
paper-based test: Young & Veldman (1981, p.185)
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| Paper |
7. At Drizzly Tech the mean IQ is 120 with a standard deviation of 10. At
Flotsam University the mean IQ is 110 with a standard deviation of 15. What
percent of the Flotsam University students are below 60 percent of the
Drizzly Tech students? _____________________
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| Screen | Here is how the same completion question appears on the screen when
the NUMERIC display type is used:
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| File | To prepare this question so that it is displayed properly in QuizSite, the instructor uses a word processor to type the following text in the question file. In these examples, the question text and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is printed in blue: |
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NUMERIC[197.30.7](test_8,comprehension,easy,normal_distribution,z_scores)
Write your answer to the question on the blank provided. <p>
At Drizzly Tech the mean IQ is 120 with a standard deviation of 10. At
Flotsam University the mean IQ is 110 with a standard deviation of 15. What
percent of the Flotsam University students are below 60 percent of the
Drizzly Tech students? |
| Display Components | The following table lists the specific values used for each
display component.
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| Template: NUMERIC |
Finally, the following paragraph shows a general template for the OPEN
display type. The components are placed in <angle brackets>. Do not
include the angle brackets when typing your items.
OPEN[<question id number>](<topic, topic, topic, ... >) <question stem > |
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| Display Type | CONTAINER
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The CONTAINER display type is appropriate for "item sets." An item set
consists of a paragraph, table, or graph that provides a context and may
present a problem. One or more questions follow this context setting
material. Haladyna (1994) states that other terms used to describe item sets
include "interpretive exercises, scenarios, vignettes, item bundles, problem
sets, super-items," and "testlets." Below is an example of an item set as
it might appear on paper, from Haladyna (1994, p.48).
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| Paper |
Our solar system mainly includes nine plantes, their moons, and the sun.
These nine planets revolve around the sun. Each planet rotates as it
revolves. On planet Earth, each rotation takes one earth day. The path that
each planet takes is an orbit. Moons are smaller bodies that revolve around
planets. Earth has one mone, and other planets may have no moons or many
moons. Any body that revolves around another body is called a satellite. All
bodies have attraction for one another, which is called gravitation. The
tendency for smaller bodies to be attracted to a larger body, such as you to
the earth, is called gravity.
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The CONTAINER questions appears in QuizSite as follows:
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| File |
The CONTAINER display type requires a little more syntax than the preceding
disolay types. This question is typed in a file as follows. The question text
and alternatives appear in black; the QuizSite display syntax is
blue. CONTAINER[197308](test_8,comprehension,moderate,reading,solar_system) Our solar system mainly includes nine planets, their moons, and the sun. These nine planets revolve around the sun. Each planet rotates as it revolves. On planet Earth, each rotation takes one earth day. The path that each planet takes is an orbit. Moons are smaller bodies that revolve around planets. Earth has one mone, and other planets may have no moons or many moons. Any body that revolves around another body is called a satellite. All bodies have attraction for one another, which is called gravitation. The tendency for smaller bodies to be attracted to a larger body, such as you to the earth, is called gravity.
{
RADIO[2] Which is an example of a satellite?
RADIO[3] What condition listed below demonstrates gravitation?
RADIO[4] If a new body is discovered that revolves around the sun, what term
best describes it? }
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