TD Magazine Article
Member Benefit
Seven Tips for Writing Good Multiple-Choice Questions
Thu Nov 08 2012
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One of the ways learning objectives can be measured is through a knowledge-based or written test.
One of the ways learning objectives can be measured is through a knowledge-based or written test.
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"Although true-false tests are the easiest to construct, they provide that old 50 percent guessing opportunity, thus not truly testing against the objectives," writes Toni DeTuncq, president of THD & Company, in the November Infoline, "Demystifying Measurement and Evaluation."
"Although true-false tests are the easiest to construct, they provide that old 50 percent guessing opportunity, thus not truly testing against the objectives," writes Toni DeTuncq, president of THD & Company, in the November Infoline, "Demystifying Measurement and Evaluation."
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Yet multiple-choice tests are more difficult and time consuming to construct. Here are seven tips to help you develop effective multiple-choice questions.
Yet multiple-choice tests are more difficult and time consuming to construct. Here are seven tips to help you develop effective multiple-choice questions.
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When possible, state the stem as a direct question rather than as an incomplete statement.
When possible, state the stem as a direct question rather than as an incomplete statement.
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Make sure alternatives are mutually exclusive.
Make sure alternatives are mutually exclusive.
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Present choices in some logical order, for example chronological, most to least, or alphabetical.
Present choices in some logical order, for example chronological, most to least, or alphabetical.
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Create one correct or best response for each item.
Create one correct or best response for each item.
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Strive for at least four alternatives for each item to lower the chance of the test-taker guessing the correct answer.
Strive for at least four alternatives for each item to lower the chance of the test-taker guessing the correct answer.
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Avoid answers to one item that may help test-takers figure out the correct answer to another item.
Avoid answers to one item that may help test-takers figure out the correct answer to another item.
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Avoid the use of "All of the above."
Avoid the use of "All of the above."
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These tips were adapted from the November 2012 Infoline , "Demystifying Measurement and Evaluation," available at www.astd.org/infoline .
These tips were adapted from the November 2012 Infoline, "Demystifying Measurement and Evaluation," available at www.astd.org/infoline.