Placing constraints on the response

The responses required in 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.

The first group are configured in the Interaction Properties Panel on the right of your 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.

TAO Advance only: You can specify whether you want to enforce constraints for the defined maximum amount of choices test takers are allowed in a Hottext interaction or Choice interaction. In this case, the test taker will not be able to exceed the maximum amount of choices.

The option to enforce constraints is not enabled by default. Please contact your Account Manager if you want to use this feature.

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.

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.

TAO Advance only: You can specify whether you want to enforce constraints for the defined maximum amount of words test takers are allowed in an Extended text interaction. In this case, the test taker will not be able to exceed the maximum amount of words.

The option to enforce constraints is not enabled by default. Please contact your Account Manager if you want to use this feature.

Limiting the duration of the test

For more information on time limits, see Test Settings.