Test Frustration

[CurlyGirl]

I have always struggled with tests, and hit a wall today while attempting to do some autism tests. I get so hung up on the question that it's often almost impossible to answer. Take multiple choice questions like

* Always
* Almost always
* Almost never
* Never

There really is no option for me. What I need is a *SOMETIMES* option, otherwise there is NO answer.

Or:

* Do you like music and book stores because they are neatly organized?

But they are NOT all neatly organized! In fact, since I like to buy used, I often have to fight the urge to RE-ORGANIZE the shelves!!! So the question itself is inaccurate, which takes me over the edge.

This has definitely been a life long challenge for me. Does anyone else struggle with these types of questions?

 

[Neonatal RRT]

As an instructor making questions for students myself or taking continuing education tests, questionnaires, etc...language is important. It seems to be a "thing" with those on the spectrum to get hung up on wording...I know this from interacting with the same few students all the time regarding test questions. Every class has 1 or 2 people that struggle with this and throws up my "autism radar".

"Do you like music and book stores because they are neatly organized?"...versus..."Do you like music and book stores if they are neatly organized?" Two totally different questions from different perspectives and requires an entirely different way to process an answer. You see how difficult it is to communicate sometimes? Something written like this, if I were the instructor, for example, I would throw out this question...but sometimes, as the test taker, who must answer questions like this, it is confusing not understanding the instructors INTENT behind a question. "Do you like music and book stores that are neatly organized?"...another question requiring a different way to process.

I get two types of students generally, (1) those that get questions wrong because they didn't take the time to read the question, and (2) those that read too much into the question and get distracted with the language and details.

 

[Rodafina]

Does anyone else struggle with these types of questions?

Definitely. I always feel the need to include an explanatory paragraph because none of the multiple choice answers are truly accurate.

These moments remind me of the limits to these kind of tests, though. If I can take the test less seriously, I can usually bring myself to choose the closest answer rather than the accurate one.

 

[CurlyGirl]

Many years ago I took an IT Security course through university. I was acing the class because I knew my stuff. Then in the final exam the instructor included an entire section of multiple choice. I lost my A+ grade :'(

 

[Neonatal RRT]

@CurlyGirl...somehow you misquoted me. I never said any of that, ever. LOL!

 

[Masked Man]

Are these tests online? If so I'd take them with a very large proverbial grain of salt, as they are not meant to be diagnostic.

 

[CurlyGirl]

@CurlyGirl...somehow you misquoted me. I never said any of that, ever. LOL!

Ooops - sorry. I was saying that. I must have been typing in the wrong spot... I'm still trying to get the hang of how this site works.

 

[CurlyGirl]

Are these tests online? If so I'd take them with a very large proverbial grain of salt, as they are not meant to be diagnostic.

Yes - they are online tests and I would never attempt to diagnose myself using them, but am trying to get a glimpses into the possibility.

What I would give for an actual assessment, but at my age and where I live, that's highly unlikely.

 

[Jumpinbare]

What I would give for an actual assessment, but at my age and where I live, that's highly unlikely.

Given the unlikelyhood of getting an assessment, if all the online tests are saying you are likely autistic, deep dive autism itself and see if are seeing yourself in the research. It won't count for anything legally, but if you find that you are (or aren't), you can learn what coping skills will likely help you.

 

[Cutesie]

Are these tests online? If so I'd take them with a very large proverbial grain of salt, as they are not meant to be diagnostic.

Some of them are meant to be diagnostic - just not online. They're meant to be administered by a professional, who sees not only what you answer but how you answer and with what affect.

 

[Cutesie]

When trying to take the RAADS-R, I gave up after around ten questions. It seemed impossible to answer honestly with the given choices.

 

[CurlyGirl]

When trying to take the RAADS-R, I gave up after around ten questions. It seemed impossible to answer honestly with the given choices.

I gave up on one of them as well. Every potential response was inaccurate so I felt like I wasn't whatever they were testing for.