Multiple choice question
Understand the Problem
The question is simply stating a type of question format, which doesn’t provide specific content or context to address. It does not ask for information, clarification, or a solution to a problem.
Answer
An MCQ contains a question stem and a set of possible answers, with one correct answer (key) and several incorrect options (distractors).
A multiple-choice question (MCQ) comprises a stem, which poses the question or problem, and a set of alternatives, including a correct answer known as the 'key' and several distractors, which are plausible but incorrect options.
Answer for screen readers
A multiple-choice question (MCQ) comprises a stem, which poses the question or problem, and a set of alternatives, including a correct answer known as the 'key' and several distractors, which are plausible but incorrect options.
More Information
The design of multiple-choice questions significantly impacts their effectiveness in assessment. The key should be clearly justifiable as the best answer, while distractors should be plausible enough to evaluate the respondent's understanding of the subject.
Tips
A common mistake is not making the key clearly the best answer or having poorly designed distractors that are too obviously incorrect.
Sources
- Designing Multiple Choice Questions - Centre for Teaching Excellence - uwaterloo.ca
- Multiple choice - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
