This feature is currently in limited release. Please reach out to your Customer Success Manager with any questions.

Create Matrix Question Type

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.

Legacy Portal: Create a Matrix Item

Instructions

1. Create a question, and select Create Matrix.

Note: For more information, see: Legacy Portal: Basic Steps to Create Questions

​​​​​​Matrix: Single Response

Note: Single Response is selected by default, but Multiple Response can also be selected.

2. Enter the Question with the text you want to appear above the matrix layout. Include any instructional text to help the exam-takers understand what to do in the matrix interaction.
   1. 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.
3. Enter a title for the Prompts rows on the far left by selecting the pencil icon.
   1. The title has a maximum of 100 characters.
4. Create the findings for each Prompt row. 
   1. Additional prompts can be added by clicking the Add New Prompt button and deleted by clicking the red, circular delete button.
   2. Up to 26 rows can be added. Each row’s content has a maximum of 200 characters.
5. Enter a title for each of the Options columns. 
   1. Additional options can be added by clicking the Add Option button and deleted by clicking the red, circular delete button.
   2. Up to 5 columns can be added. Each column header has a maximum of 100 characters.

6. Select the correct answer choices for each prompt (row).
   1. Rows can be rearranged by clicking and dragging the desired Row prompt. 

Partial Credit is selected by default and cannot be changed.  

• Users will receive partial credit for correct answers and zero credit for wrong answers. 

Note: Total points for a matrix question is determined when posting an exam.

7. Recommended: Assign one or more categories.
   1. For more information, see: Legacy Portal: Assign Categories to Questions
8. Optional: Select other options, if needed.
   1. 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
   2. If there are multiple questions related to the same case, you can group the questions together after you add them to an assessment. 
9. Save the question.

Matrix: Multiple Response

1. Create a question, and select Create Matrix.
2. Enter the Question with the text you want to appear above the matrix layout. Include any instructional text to help the exam-takers understand what to do in the matrix interaction.
   1. 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.
3. Enter a title for the Prompts rows on the far left by selecting the pencil icon.
   1. The title has a maximum of 100 characters.
4. Create the findings for each Prompt row. 
   1. Additional prompts can be added by clicking the Add New Prompt button and deleted by clicking the red, circular delete button.
   2. Up to 26 rows can be added. Each row’s content has a maximum of 200 characters.
5. Enter a title for each of the Options columns. 
   1. Additional options can be added by clicking the Add Option button and deleted by clicking the red, circular delete button.
   2. Up to 5 columns can be added. Each column header has a maximum of 100 characters.

6. Select the correct answer choices for each option (column).
   1. Rows can be rearranged by clicking and dragging the desired Row prompt. 

Note: Each column must have at least 1 response selected; if a correct answer is not selected, you will receive an error message at the top of the page.

+/- Scoring is selected by default and cannot be changed.  

• Users will receive credit for correct 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. Each wrong answer subtracts from the total points awarded, but they cannot receive less than 0 points.

 

Scoring example: User selects 3 correct answers and 2 incorrect answers = 1 total point for the question.

7. Recommended: Assign one or more categories.
   1. For more information, see: Legacy Portal: Assign Categories to Questions
8. Optional: Select other options, if needed.
   1. 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
   2. If there are multiple questions related to the same case, you can group the questions together after you add them to an assessment. 
9. Save the question.