Enterprise Portal: Tips for Matrix Questions

The Matrix/Grid format includes two types of items: single response and multiple response. 

• The single response answer options are presented in a table format and each row has a single correct answer. 
• The multiple response format allows each column in the table to be an independent answer where the user can select one, many, or all the available answers. 

For example, a selection of symptoms can be presented and exam takers are expected to identify sets of symptoms for a particular disease. The Matrix item gives the opportunity to test multiple aspects of a clinical situation in a single question.

In ExamSoft, you can use the Matrix question type to create these items.  

Note: These questions are typically used for nursing specific exams.

In this guide:

• Instructions
  • Matrix - Single Response
  • Matrix - Multiple Response
• Student View

Instructions

1. Create a question, and select the Matrix question type.
   Note: For more information, see: Enterprise Portal: Basic Steps to Create and Edit Questions

Note: Single Response is selected by default.

Matrix - Single Response

3. Enter the question text, including instructional text to help the exam-takers understand what to do in the Matrix interaction.
   • Explain what they are seeing in the column on the left and the meaning of the answer choices on the right.
     
     For example: "The nurse is assessing the client after performing intrauterine resuscitation. For each finding, click to specify whether the finding indicates the intervention was Effective, Ineffective, or Unrelated."
     
     
   • Enter a title for the Prompt Column on the far left.
   • Enter a title for the Options Columns to the right.
   • Finally, select the correct answer choice to define the right answer for each row.

Example: Client Findings entered on the left, and correct answer choices selected 

Example: Partial Credit Scoring for “Single Response” Matrix question

• Partial Credit is selected by default and cannot be changed.  Users will receive partial credit for right answers, and zero credit for wrong answers. 
  
  Note: Total points for a matrix question is determined when posting an exam.
  
  
  • Rows cannot be rearranged, so be sure to enter them in the order you want them displayed for your exam takers.
  • Both Rows and Columns can be deleted using the garbage can icon.
  • Be sure to double-check that you are satisfied with the appearance of the Matrix question.

4. (Recommended) Assign one or more categories. For more information, see: Enterprise Portal: Assign Categories to Questions
5. (Optional) Select other options, if needed.
   Tips:
   • If the question involves an electronic health or medical record, you can upload an attachment. For more information about attachments, see: Attachment Types and Requirements
6. Save the question.

Matrix - Multiple Response

1. Enter the question text, including instructional text to help the exam-takers understand what to do in the Matrix interaction.
   • Explain what they are seeing in the column on the left and what their choices on the right mean.  
     For example: "For each client finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of pneumonia, UTI, or influenza. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process."
2. Enter a title for the Prompt Column on the far left.
3. Enter a title for the Options Columns to the right.
   
   Note: Each column must have at least 1 response selected.
   
4. Finally, select the correct answer choices to define the right answer(s) for each column.

Scoring

Example: +/- Scoring for “Multiple Response” Matrix question

• +/- Scoring is selected by default and cannot be changed.  Users will receive credit for right answers and will have credit subtracted for wrong answers.
  
  Note: Exam takers cannot receive less than zero points on a Matrix question that uses Multiple Response. (No negative scores are awarded).

• • Rows cannot be rearranged, so be sure to enter them in the order you want them displayed for your exam takers.
  • Both Rows and Columns can be deleted using the garbage can icon.
  • Be sure to double-check that you are satisfied with the appearance of the Matrix question.
    
    

1. (Recommended) Assign one or more categories. For more information, see: Enterprise Portal: Assign Categories to Questions
2. (Optional) Select other options, if needed.
   Tips: If the question involves an electronic health or medical record, you can upload an attachment. For more information about attachments, see: Attachment Types and Requirements
3. Save the question.

Student View

Single Response

Multiple Response