Matching Question Definition

A matching question is two adjacent lists of related words, phrases, pictures, or symbols. Each item in one list is paired with at least one item in the other list. Matching may be considered to be a variant of multiple-choice in which more than one choice is correct. Check all that apply (multiple select) is also a variant of matching in which one of the lists (or the stem) has only one item.

Characteristics of Matching Questions

• Used for recognition of relationships and making associations.
• Can be used for a wide range of subject matter.
• Can be used to match:
• terms and definitions
• symbols and names
• questions with answers
• cause with effect
• parts with functions
• procedures with operations
• principles with situations in which they apply
• Good matching items can easily be converted to multiple-choice items.
• The premises and responses should be homogeneous.

Advantages of Matching Questions

• Easy to write.
• Easy to score.
• Effective when assessing definitions and relationships.
• Space-saving, objective, compact method to assess learning targets.
• Can be developed to use with pictures, maps, graphs, etc.

Disadvantages of Matching Questions

• Not well suited for assessing higher-order thinking. Does not measure any type of interpretation, judgment, or application.
• Correct matches may be evidence of guessing rather than understanding (Make sure there are more definitions than items to alleviate this).
• If lists contain same number of choices, the last few choices may be giveaways.
• Students can use rote memorization to answer these exercises, especially as typical matching problems involve assessment of rote associations such as names, dates, etc. That's OK if that's what you want.
• Can be difficult to develop homogeneous premises and responses.

Average Response Time

2-5 minutes

Constructing Matching Questions

Below are a few guidelines to help you construct matching questions:

• Directions should provide a clear basis for matching.
• Include 4 to 10 items in each list.
• Include approximately 3 extra items from which responses are chosen. That is, avoid perfect matching which allows for elimination of responses when the test-taker is unsure of the correct answer.
• Shuffle the order of the items in each column.
• Use brief phrases and as few words as possible in each list.
• Longer statements should be in the premise (left) column and shorter statements in the response (right) column.
• Format the entire question to fit on the same page.
• All possible responses should be plausible solutions.

Good Example of a Matching Question

Column A contains a list of characteristics of questions. On the line to the left of each phrase, write the letter of the question type in Column B that best fits the phrase. Each response in Column B may be used once, more than once, or not at all.

Bad Example of a Matching Question

Column A lists several phrases related to Pennsylvania. To the left of each phrase, write the letter of the response in column B that best fits the phrase.

Main Errors

1. Directions about how to handle choices in Column B are unclear.
2. The responses are not homogeneous. That is, answers for 1, 2, and 4 are obvious, leaving only the two cities as choices for 3.

Identifying Flawed Matching Items

Refer to the previous section on constructing matching questions to determine what is wrong with the question below.

Question: Below on the right side is a list of four examples of validity evidence. Correctly match each of these examples with the type of evidence listed on the left that best defines each example. [For example: 1A, 2D, etc.] Use each type of evidence only once.

Refer to the previous section on constructing matching questions to determine what is wrong with the Sample Matching Question. Then check your answer by clicking the Check Answer button.

Check Answer