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