Using Matrix Puzzles to Assess Student Understanding in Economics

A matrix puzzle is presented as an alternative method to assess student comprehension in economics. It uses rows to denote changes in an economic situation and columns to denote the outcomes affected by the changes. Students use Y (yes) or N (no) to answer each cell in the matrix, which requires stu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International review of economics education 2020-11, Vol.35, p.100193, Article 100193
Main Authors: Walstad, William B., Bosshardt, William
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
assessment
holistic testing
multiple-choice questions
problem-solving
puzzles
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A matrix puzzle is presented as an alternative method to assess student comprehension in economics. It uses rows to denote changes in an economic situation and columns to denote the outcomes affected by the changes. Students use Y (yes) or N (no) to answer each cell in the matrix, which requires students to relate the change to a particular outcome. Examples of matrix puzzles are provided with some results from university classes and suggestions for constructing other matrix puzzles. A major advantage of the matrix puzzle is its holistic approach to assessment that requires students understand what is caused and not caused by an economic change, as well as its compact presentation.
ISSN:1477-3880
DOI:10.1016/j.iree.2020.100193