A generalization of the true-false test, the multiple choice type of test offers the student with more than two options per item to choose from. Each item in a multiple choice test consists of two parts: a) the stem, and b) the options. In the set of options, there is a “correct” or “best” option while all the others are considered “distracters”.

Advantages

Can cover broad range of contentEasily scored and gradedMeasures a variety of levels of learningWhen well-constructed, has proven to be an effective assessment toolMinimum of writing for students

Disadvantages

Difficult to come up with plausible distracters/alternative responsesTend to focus on low level learning objectivesConstruction of good items is time consumingMeasuring ability to organize and express ideas is not possible

Skills Mastered

Application, synthesis, analysis, and evaluation levels of learning such as:Discrimination between fact and opinionInterpret cause-and-effect relationships or even charts and graphsMake inferences from given data

Rules in constructing Multiple Choice Test

1) Do not use unfamiliar words, terms and phrases. Keep the vocabulary consistent with the examinee’s level of understanding.

2) Do not use modifiers that are vague and whose meanings can differ from one person to the next such as much, often, always, and usually.

3) Distracters should be equally plausible and attractive.

4) All multiple choice options should be grammatically consistent with the stem.

5) Avoid alternatives that are synonymous with others or those that include or overlap others.

6) Avoid presenting sequenced items min the same order as in the text.

7) Avoid use of assumed qualifiers that many examinees may not be aware of.

8) Test knowledge comprehension, not just recall.

9) Use simple sentences structure and precise wording. Use good grammar, punctuation and spelling consistently.

10) Place most of the words in the question stem.

11) Keep all answer choices the same length.

12) Avoid double negatives.13) Mix up the order of the

correct answers.14) Keep the number of

options consistent.15) Avoid tricking test-takers.16)Avoid “all of the above” and

“none of the above” options.

17) Format the item vertically, not horizontally.

18) Avoid textbook, verbatim phrasing when developing the items.

19) Avoid items based on opinions.

20) Avoid trivial material.

Each item in a multiplechoice test consists of two

parts: a) the stem, and b) the options.

AVOID

In the stem:

Long/complex sentencesTrivial statements

DO USE

In the stem:

Your own words, not statements straight out of the textbook

Negatives and double negatives Indefinite terms, and broad generalization

Single, clearly formulated problemsQuestion form or completion form

Extraneous materialItem characteristics that provide a clue to the answer misconceptionsWhen using the completion format, don’t leave a blank for completion in the beginning or middle of the stem of the question.

AVOIDIn the options:

Statements too close to the correct answer.Completely implausible responses

DO USEIn the options:

Plausible and homogeneous distractersShort options and all same length

Overlapping responses

Correct options evenly distributedAt least 3 or 4 alternatives