[Year 12 SofDev] Multiple choice exam question confusion

Thu Oct 31 02:30:33 UTC 2019

Thanks for the quick reply Adrian,

I agree -

Data flow diagrams must always show VS purpose of a data flow diagram is to display

They feel pretty similar to me

Michael Cooper
ICT Coordinator & Network Support

[BSC Logo]
braybrooksc.vic.edu.au<http://braybrooksc.vic.edu.au/>

From: sofdev <sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au> On Behalf Of Adrian Janson
Sent: Thursday, 31 October 2019 1:20 PM
To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List <sofdev at edulists.com.au>
Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] Multiple choice exam question confusion

Hi Michael,

There is a difference in the questions here. One is asking for the purpose of a DFD and one is asking about what a DFD must always show. While this will be of no consolation to your students and mine, the questions are different.

IMO - I dislike questions like this as we seem to be assessing the grammar and the comprehension of students more than their ability to apply the KK and skills.

Cheers,
Adrian

On Thu, Oct 31, 2019 at 1:16 PM Cooper, Michael J <cooper.michael.j at edumail.vic.gov.au<mailto:cooper.michael.j at edumail.vic.gov.au>> wrote:
Hi fellow SD teachers,

One of my more conscientious students noticed this in the 2016 and 2017 VCAA SD papers during revision and I thought I should get some clarification:

2016 Multiple Choice question 18:
A data flow diagram can be used as a tool when designing software. Data flow diagrams must always show
A. the decisions that are made when sub-modules are called.
B. the sequence of tasks involved in completing a project.
C. where data originates and where it is stored.
D. the specific data flows between processes.

The answer in the Examiners report is D.

2017 Multiple choice question 8
The purpose of a data flow diagram is to display
A. the organisation of data in storage.
B. where data originates and where it is stored.
C. the sequence of tasks involved in completing a project.
D. the order in which the processes within a system occur

                The answer in the Examiners report is B.

In the 2016 paper, option C has the EXACT same text as option B in 2017, however it was not the answer.

The examiners report made a note on question 8 for the 2017–
significant number of students confused the purpose of a data flow diagram. The purpose of a data flow diagram is to display where data originates and where it is stored.

Based on this information, I should be telling the students to follow the description in the examiner’s report, correct?

Michael Cooper
ICT Coordinator & Network Support

[BSC Logo]
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