Objective Examination

Dr. Niraj Pandit MD

Department of Community Medicine

SBKS MIRC

Objectives of session We try to understand

What is objective examination? Guide for Objective test frame Myths about objective test

Objective examination Evaluation is a systematic process of

determining the extent to which the predetermined objectives are achieved (by the student).

It includes qualitative and quantitative description (measurement) of desirability of that behaviour.

Objective examination can be part of formative (diagnostic) and summative (final assessment) exams.

Most popular objective exam is Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ).

Guide for Objective test frame Individual questions are also known as Items. Anatomy of MCQ

AIDS DAY is observed every year on:

a. 7th April

b. 1st December

c. 24th March

d. 1st July

steam

OptionKey

Distracters

Components of a Multiple Choice question:

a. Direction: Instructions to the candidates E.g. Encircle the correct answer, Tick (√) the correct answer 

b. Stem: The problem (question) is called the stem. It may be in the form of a direct question or an incomplete statement. c. Choices are called ALTERNATIVES. 

[A] , [B], [C], [D]The correct alternative(s) is called the ANSWER.

Remaining alternatives are called the DISTRACTERS

Guidelines for framing MCQs 1.  Design each item to measure an important

learning outcome. 2.  Present a single, clearly stated problem in a stem 3.  State the stem of the item briefly in simple and

clear language. 4.  Make certain that the stem consists of a

statement or an idea, not just a single word (exception Matching type) 

5.  Place all common elements in the stem of the item. It makes the item compact.

6.  State the stem in positive form as far as possible. 7.  The words ‘NOT” or “ EXCEPT” should be

underlined or in bold letters when used in stem 8.  Make certain that only the intended answer is

correct or clearly the best ( For one best response type) 9.  All the alternatives should be grammatically

consistent with the stem and parallel in form 10.  Use plausible distracters. Each distracter should

by its nature and content be such that appears to have something to do with the question.

11.  Avoid clues that may suggest correct answer and make each item complete & independent of the answer to other items.

12.  The distracters and the correct answer should be similar in relative length and details so as to avoid clues.

13.  Avoid use of the alternatives ‘all of the above’ and ‘none of the above’ in the same item.

14.  Be careful while using ‘None of the above’ as a distracter or a correct answer.

15.  Avoid double negatives and abbreviations as far as possible.

16.  In items with numerical alternatives arrange the alternatives in rank order and use similar measuring units.

Types of MCQs One( single) best response type Matching type Relationship-analysis type Pictorial or tabulated or Graphic type Case history type Simulated patient management type

Advantages of objective testLess time to answer

Quick to mark

More reliable

Suited to formative assessment

Good for breadth of knowledge

Well suited toe-assessment

Myths about objective test Objective tests dumb-down education, Objective

tests are easy Objective tests can only be used to assess basic

knowledge Writing an objective test is easy Objective tests encourage guessing Objective testing is only fashionable because of

e-assessment

How to write MCQ

Thank you