The Question Matrix
Q Matrix
P/J Methods
EDUC 4454
Q Matrix
a user-friendly adaptation of Bloom’s
Taxonomy
allows you to construct questions based on
the word pairs within a matrix
arranged in a hierarchy that considers
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Q Matrix
To use Q-Matrix:
1. Identify the level of thinking you wish your
question to elicit and select word pairs to
match your instructional focus
• “knowledge” word pairs – upper left
portion of matrix
• “evaluation” word pairs – lower right
• As you move in any direction from the
“What is?” – you are moving toward
questions which require more in-depth
thinking
Q Matrix
2. Choose any word pair
– use this word pair as the first two words in
your question followed by the appropriate
content.
• Example: Which might?
Which might be the best way
to solve this problem?
-Or embedded words i.e., “Of all the
solutions we’ve discussed, which do you
do feel might provide the best solution to
this problem?”
Q Matrix
3. The horizontal items represent the subject
of the question (event, situation, choice,
person, reason, means)
4. The vertical items represent the process
(present, past, possibility, probability,
prediction, imagination)
Q Matrix
Quadrants:
“A” Asks for facts
“B” Asks for
comparisons,
explanations,
examples
“C” Asks for predictions
and possibilities
“D” Asks for speculations,
probabilities and
evaluation
Q Matrix
• Work with a partner. Read your book. Create
questions to complete the Q Matrix. What
level of Bloom’s Taxonomy are your
questions?