Using Matrix Puzzles to Assess Student Understanding in Economics

William B. Walstad and William Bosshardt

International Review of Economics Education, 2020, vol. 35, issue C

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: assessment; puzzles; problem-solving; holistic testing; multiple-choice questions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A22 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ireced:v:35:y:2020:i:c:s1477388020300207

DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2020.100193

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