Are multiple-choice questions too easy?

There are assumptions about digital testing that are not always justified. These assumptions cause unjustified doubts about the positive effect or added value of digital testing. One of these assumptions is that everyone will guess the answers to multiple-choice questions. This makes the exam too easy. Is that true? Are multiple-choice questions too easy?

Chance of guessing in multiple-choice questions

The main difference between open and closed questions is that closed questions offer a choice of answer options. This means that candidates can ‘guess’. Closed questions therefore involve an element of chance. This means that there is a chance that a candidate will give the correct answer even though they do not know it. However, ‘guessing’ does not always help to achieve a good score. Why is that?

Solution: adjust caesura

When calculating the points for multiple-choice questions, this guessing probability is taken into account. This is also referred to as the cut-off point, or the boundary between a pass and a fail. Due to the presence of the guessing probability, the cut-off point can be raised. This allows you to take the guessing probability into account by influencing the pass and fail thresholds.

The ‘bluffing opportunity’ of open questions

The chance of guessing the correct answer to multiple-choice questions is comparable to the chance of bluffing with open questions. Even if you do not know the exact answer, you can still formulate an almost correct answer. An assessor will then award points for the answer given, even if it is not exactly the same as the intended answer. Read also: how do you assess open questions objectively?