Handling Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
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Transcript Handling Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Handling Multiple Choice
Questions (MCQ)
Dr. C N Sarker
Associate Professor & Head of
Medicine, MMC
What is MCQ?
This is a question where alternatives are
given to identify the appropriate
answer/answers.
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
Structure of MCQ - contd....
Key - a correct alternative
Distracter - an incorrect alternative
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
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
Types of MCQ
One best response
Multiple true - false
Matching type
Multiple completion type
Reason - Assertion or Relationship analysis
type
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
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
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
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
Assertion - Reason format
(relationship analysis)
Each item consists of an assertion
(statement A) linked to a reason (statement
B) by the connecting word because
Advantage & scope of MCQ
Can test large sample of knowledge
Short period of time
Ease of scoring
Objectivity or reliability of scoring
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
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
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