Designing multiple-choice tests

The motive for adopting multiple choice tests is often related to time and time constraints. However, writing effective multiple-choice tests takes a considerable amount of time and skill.

The disadvantage of adopting multiple choice tests is that it is more difficult to design assessment tasks that test higher-order thinking.

Also, timed tests that focus on students' recall of specific terms or concepts may disadvantage English as Second Language (ESL) students, and students with particular disabilities or medical conditions.

The advantage of adopting multiple choice tests, particularly online Computer Moderated Assessments (CMAs), is that students receive immediate feedback on their performance. For this reason, online tests can be a great way to engage students early in your course.

The resources below contain useful guides that will assist you to write good quality multiple-choice tests.

Exemplars

Using Moodle Quizzes to encourage student engagement. (Camtasia Relay Presentation: MP3 8.95mb; iPod Video 63.25mb)

Resources

A guide to using multiple choice questions and other objective test questions. Latrobe University Curriculum, Teaching & Learning (PDF*27.4kb) http://www.latrobe.edu.au/teaching/assets/downloads/Guide%20to%20objective%20test%20item%20writing.pdf

'General advice on writing multiple choice questions'. Monash University http://arts.monash.edu.au/philosophy/peer-instruction/using/mcq-advice.php

'14 rules for writing multiple-choice questions'. Brigham Young University Faculty Centre. (PDF*121kb) http://testing.byu.edu/info/handbooks/14%20Rules%20for%20Writing%20Multiple-Choice%20Questions.pdf.