ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SAQs

Like any other elements in the item construction, SAQs too have its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of SAQs:

For Item Writers: 

• Easy to construct compared to MCQs 
• Easy for marking compared to essay questions
• Test a broader range of the course content compared to full essay questions 
• Avoid possibility of guessing the answers given like MCQs
• Better diagnostic information - item writers can identify test takers' weaknesses and measure their performances effectively  

For Test Takers:

• Easy to answer compared to MCQs as no alternatives to read through 
• Provide test takers with more flexibility to explain their understanding 
• Allow test takers to demonstrate creativity in providing answers compared to MCQs with fixed options 

Disadvantages of SAQs:

• Many acceptable alternative answers which may not have been expected by item writer
• Accuracy of assessment may be influenced by test takers' handwriting or spelling skills
• Items constructed may not reach the higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy as SAQs usually tested on knowledge and comprehension 

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