Guidelines for setting MCQs
Dunstan (1971), in a short monograph on multiple choice testing, summarises the steps involved in writing MCQs. He makes three important general statements which briefly may be summarised as follows:-
Let objectives determine what you require to be tested. Have a panel rather than an individual write and review tests to avoid bias and to ensure testing covers a wide range of student abilities. Remember good tests require time to construct.
More detailed setting guidelines and considerations are given below.