Handling Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

1. Handling Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Dr. C N Sarker Associate Professor & Head of Medicine, MMC

2. What is MCQ? • This is a question where alternatives are given to identify the appropriate answer/answers.

3. Structure of MCQ • Item - whole of an MCQ is called an item • Stem - the main part of the item (i.e.. The part that presents the scenario) is called the question stem • Lead - in statement - the part of the item that tells the candidates what he has to do • Alternative - the answer part of an MCQ

4. Structure of MCQ - contd.... • Key - a correct alternative • Distracter - an incorrect alternative

5. Structure of MCQ - contd.. • Examples • Lead in statement - e.g.. Write T for true F for false • Stem - The following substances are essential for erythropoiesis

6. Structure of MCQ - contd.. • Alternatives • a) iron • b) folic acid • c) nicotinic acid • d) vitamin B12 • c) myoglobin • Key - a, b, d • Distracters- c, e

7. Types of MCQ • One best response • Multiple true - false • Matching type • Multiple completion type • Reason - Assertion or Relationship analysis type

8. Example of Multiple True False • Lead in statement - i.e. instruction • Stem - in the form of question, statement, case history, or clinical data • Alternatives - possibilities must be unequivocally true or false (in contrast to single best response) • Key - true alternative • Distracter - false alternative

9. One best response type e.g. • Lead in statement - select the one best response • Stem - deficiency of niacin leads to the development of : • Alternative - a) diarrhea • b) photophobia c) peripheral neuropathy d) cheilosis • Key - a

10. One best response e.g.. • Clinical features of neonatal tetanus include all of the following, except: • a) bulging frontanel • b) trismus • c) hypertonia • d) spasms • Key - a

11. Matching type of MCQ • Match the following with appropriate statement given below • a) lymph node - 1. Contains plasma cells • b) spleen 2. Involutes at puberty • c) both 3. Has a cortex & medulla • d) neither 4. Is the source of T cells • Key - 1 - c, 2 - d, 3 - a, 4 - c & d

12. Assertion - Reason format (relationship analysis) • Each item consists of an assertion (statement A) linked to a reason (statement B) by the connecting word because

13. Advantage & scope of MCQ • Can test large sample of knowledge • Short period of time • Ease of scoring • Objectivity or reliability of scoring

14. Disadvantages of MCQ • Not suitable for highest level of Cognitive domain • Can’t test ability to write logically & systematically • Can’t test capability of expression • Can’t test motor skills

15. Check List for making MCQ • Item should deal with all important aspects of the subject • Minutiae of medical knowledge should be avoided • Daily working knowledge should be applied • Level of knowledge expected from the examinee should be appropriate

16. Check List - contd.. • Clear, accurate, & brief statement is logical • Alternatives must be grammatically consistent with stem • Alternative must be a plausible response • Avoid duplication • Avoid “none of the above/ all of the above” when each alternative carry equal marks