Placing constraints on the response

The responses required in an interactions can be configured in a number of different ways. They are not all available for all types of interaction – the sections describing each interaction under QTI Interaction Types and PCI Interaction Types will tell you which options are available for that particular interaction.

Limiting the use of a choice

If you want to limit the number of times a particular element is used, click on it. It will then appear in the Identifier box in the right-hand panel, which gives you the option of setting the Allowed number of uses. Setting this to a maximum of 1, for example, will mean that the test-taker can only use that element in one association/match.

If you want to limit the number of times a particular row or column is used, click on it. It will then appear in the Identifier box in the right-hand panel, which gives you the option to set the Allowed number of uses. (According to the interaction type, this is sometimes labeled Allowed number of matches/associations). Setting this to a maximum of 1, for example, will mean that the Test-taker can only use that element in one associated match.

Obliging the test-taker to give an answer

If you want to prevent test-takers from continuing to the next question without providing an answer, check the required box.

Note: For Gap Match interactions, this box appears after you have inserted the gaps in the text.

Defining a certain format or pattern

Plain text format is the default which is expected as input from the test-taker. If desired, you can specify the type of text format as either preformatted text or XHTML in the Format box.

You can also specify a certain Pattern which should be used in the answer. This can be done in the Pattern Mask box. Patterns can be set using regular expressions in the QTI creator. If the Test-taker’s Response does not match the Pattern, an error is shown. The Response cannot be submitted until the input is corrected in line with the pattern.

Limiting the length of an answer

You can limit the length of text the test-taker enters in the answer field by setting a maximum length or word count. Alternatively, you can specify a certain pattern in Constraints

The following option concerns the time allowed for responses, and is configured in the Response Properties Panel on the right of your interaction:

Limiting the duration of the test

When authoring your item, click anywhere outside of the Text Space of the interaction. This will give you the option of setting the interaction as Time dependent (to be completed within a certain interval), by checking the check box. This option is covered in greater detail in Test Settings.