question stem

plural question stems

1. In a survey or examination, the focus or salient part of a particular question that the respondent or examinee is asked to answer, excluding any additional prompts or information provided as context; often, the opening part of a multiple choice question.

   If there are multiple correct answers to a question stem, don’t try to predict all of them.

   2014, Shelley L. Giordano, Examination Review for Radiography, →ISBN, page 9

   2 more examples

   The question stem is presented in the largest font and is bolded; it is the most visually dominant element on the page help draw respondents’ attention to it. The response options and spaces are in a smaller font and indented underneath the question stem.

   2014, Don A. Dillman, Jolene D. Smyth, Leah Melani Christian, Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method, 4th edition, →ISBN, page 319

   10. Which of the following ethnographic studies indicate the use of the “emic” approach? Select all that apply. […] Test-Taking Tip: The key word in the question stem is “emic,” which means the insider’s view.

   2016, Geraldine N. Valencia-Go, Research Success: A Q&A Review. Applying Critical Thinking to Test Taking, →ISBN, pages 197, 202