In this article, I’ll demonstrate how I tackle the task of authoring assessments and test questions provided to me by the subject matter expert (SME) of the training. This question stem and the responses are how I received it.
Which of the following are NOT considered to be a type of control measure for reducing the risk of health and safety hazards?
A: Personal protective equipment
B: Engineering controls
C: Environmental controls
D: Administrative controls
Answer: C.
The first problem I see is that the question asks the learner to recall the incorrect response. Focus the questions on what is correct. In this case, the objective of the training is to teach the learner what three control measures help reduce risk. We are not teaching what does NOT mitigate risk. In this case, the distractors are fine; I need only to modify the question.
Next, I’m not fond of questions that make me guess how many responses are correct. (We’ll leave that in our high school past). For adult learners taking corporate training, inform them of the expectation. State the expectation, so the learner has more confidence in choosing the responses.
Finally, the question is a bit lengthy; let’s rewrite it.
Select three control measures that reduce the risk of health and safety hazards.
A: Personal protective equipment
B: Engineering controls
C: Environmental controls
D: Administrative controls
Answers: A, B, and D.
The question is more clear and concise in its request for the learner to choose the correct number of responses. Try this approach next time you author test items to create practical and sound evaluations.