The difference comes into play in relation to the Point(s) assigned to the correct response. For example, in a Match/Match List item, if you enter 3 Point(s) for the item and there are 3 pairs to match, choosing Partial Match Per Response makes the item worth a total of 9 points and the student gets 3 points for each correct match. If you choose Partial Match for the same item, the total item is worth 3 points and the student gets 1 point for each correct match.
Partial Match doesn't work well when the number of Points divided by the number of matches does not equal a whole number. If you enter 1 Point and there are 3 matches, each match gives the student 1/3 (approximately .333) points. However, that is not allowed and so the student doesn't get any points until 3 matches are made.
