Multiple-Choice Test Item Writing Procedure cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1204-97

(a)

It decreases, because of the increased fuel burn up.

(b)

It decreases, because of the decrease in plutonium-xenon yield.

(c)

It increases, because of the increase in thermal flux.

(d)

It increases, because of the decrease in boron concentration.

When possible, include common misconceptions as distractors. Since the purpose of the

examination is to differentiate between competent and less-than-competent trainees, a good

source of test items involves topics in which there are common misconceptions about

important knowledge topics. For example, the following test item was based upon a

common misconception about loss of subcooling margin:

Test item:

During a LOCA with a resultant loss of subcooling margin, why are the reactor

coolant pumps (RCPs) secured?

(a)

To prevent pump damage resulting from operation under two-phase

conditions.

(b)

To prevent core damage resulting from separation upon subsequent loss

of RCS flow.

(c)

To reduce RCS pressure by removing the pressure heat developed by the

RCPs.

(d)

To remove the heat being added to the RCS by the operating RCPs.