Multiple Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions are often called fixed choice, selected response or multiple choice items because they are not always questions, and they require students to select from among various options that are presented to them. The options are fixed
These items remain important because they can be scored rapidly, providing quick feedback to students. Also, they are efficient when assessing large numbers of students over broad content.
Versatility: Multiple choice test items can be written to assess various levels of learning outcomes, from basic recall to application, analysis, and evaluation. Because students are choosing from a set of potential answers, however, there are obvious limits on what can be tested with multiple choice items. For example, they are not an effective way to test students’ ability to organize thoughts or articulate explanations or creative ideas.
Reliability: Reliability is defined as the degree to which a test consistently measures a learning outcome. Multiple choice test items are less susceptible to guessing than true/false questions, making them a more reliable means of assessment. The reliability is enhanced when the number of MC items focused on a single learning objective is increased. In addition, the objective scoring associated with multiple choice test items frees them from problems with scorer inconsistency that can plague scoring of essay questions.
Advantages
objective tests can sample a broad range of a course
objective tests are rapidly marked
students are not able to "bluff" or "pool" answers
scoring is objective and reliable (e.g. no halo effect)
distribution of scores is determined by the test - not by the examiner
only the objectives tested for are marked
"good" items may be stored in an item bank and reused