Extended matching sets questions for online numeracy assessments: a case study

Extended matching sets questions (EMSQs) are a form of multiple‐choice question (MCQ) consisting of a stem (the question or scenario) with an extended number of possible answers. Although there is no consensus on their absolute format, for the purpose of this paper a multiple‐choice question with ten or more alternative answers is considered to be an EMSQ. Faced with the limitations imposed by virtual learning environment software, I have conducted a case study into the use of the EMSQ format in online assessment of numerical and statistical ability which shows that properly constructed questions of this type can play a valuable role in assessment of numeracy. The extended format was found to work well on screen and resulted in an increase in both student marks and student satisfaction when compared with other answer input formats. This case study indicates that the EMSQ format has much more widespread applicability for online assessment that its traditional uses.