Designing Multiple-Choice Examinations

The sample Test Blueprint below is for a midterm examination. The test covers five different content
areas, each subdivided into several main topics. The central area of the blueprint reflects the number of
questions for each topic and indicates the type of knowledge tested according to Blooms Taxonomy
(Factual, Application, Analysis/Synthesis, or Integrative). This section of the blueprint can also be used
to as a reminder for the type of question to be constructed (for example, Type 6).
The final column gives an overall weighting (number of questions and percentage of the test) devoted to
each content area and subdivided category. Each section is given a particular weighting that should
reflect the emphasis that it has received in the classroom. This test blueprint helps ensure that all
required course topics are covered at an appropriate level of understanding. (Marini 2000)

Blooms Taxonomy
Content Area

Factual

Application

Analysis /
Synthesis

Integrative

TOTAL
(Weighting)
10 (13%)

1
1
1

2
2
1

0
1
0

0
0
1

3 (4%)
4 (5%)
3 (4%)

Psychology
a) As Science
b) Methods
c) History
Biological Basis
a) Human Evolution
b) Genetic
c) Genetics and Behavior

15 (20%)
2
2
2

3
1
1

0
1
1

0
1
1

The Brain
a)
b)
c)
d)

12 (16%)

Stem
Limbic System
Cerebrum
Electrical

1
1
1
1

1
1
2
1

0
0
1
0

0
0
1
1

Perception
a)
b)
c)
d)

2 (3%)
2 (3%)
5 (7%)
3 (4%)
20 (27%)

Hearing
Vision
Taste and Smell
Somatic Senses

1
2
1
2

2
2
2
2

1
1
0
1

0
2
1
0

Learning
a)
b)
c)
d)

5 (7%)
5 (7%)
5 (7%)

4 (5%)
7 (9%)
4 (5%)
5 (7%)
18 (24%)

Classical
Operant
Social
Complex

TOTAL

1
1
1
1

2
2
2
2

0
0
1
1

0
0
2
2

3 (4%)
3 (4%)
6 (8%)
6 (8%)

23 (31%)

31 (41%)

9 (12%)

12 (16%)

75 (100%)

* Blueprint adapted from Dr. Anthony Marinis Item Construction Guide for Multiple-Choice Questions (Jan 2000)

Designing Multiple-Choice Examinations

Exercise:
Construct a Test Blueprint for a one hour examination in a course or section of a course in which
you teach. As you become more familiar with MCQ examination construction, you may wish to
revise this Test Blueprint to suit your individual needs.

Blooms Taxonomy
Content Area

TOTAL

Factual

Application

Analysis /
Synthesis

Integrative

TOTAL
(Weighting)