Multiple Choice Questions Construction

Characteristics of Well-Constructed Multiple Choice Questions

• A well-constructed multiple choice question has a clear and concise stem that presents a problem or question.
• The stem should be free of ambiguities and should not contain irrelevant information.

Purpose of Homogeneous Distractors

• Homogeneous distractors are used to ensure that the incorrect options are plausible and attractive to the test-taker.
• The purpose of providing homogeneous distractors is to reduce the likelihood of test-takers eliminating options based on superficial characteristics.

Avoiding 'All of the Above' and 'None of the Above' Options

• 'All of the above' and 'none of the above' options should be avoided in multiple choice questions because they can make the question more transparent and easier to answer.
• These options can also lead to test-takers relying on a process of elimination rather than actually knowing the correct answer.

Significance of Negatively Stating the Stem

• Negatively stating the stem in a multiple choice question can make it more difficult for test-takers to answer correctly.
• This is because test-takers may be confused by the negative phrasing and may inadvertently choose the opposite of the correct answer.