Multiple choice questions in (digital) testing: what are they and how do they work?

Everyone has taken a test that consisted of one or more multiple-choice questions. Why are these questions so popular? And what are some useful tips for creating good multiple-choice questions? 

What is a multiple choice question?

In both formative and summative assessments, multiple-choice questions are often used to gain insight into candidates' knowledge and skills. In this closed question type the participant selects one answer from a list of multiple answer options. The setup is as simple as it seems. Only one of the answer options is correct and the other options are obviously incorrect.

What is unique about multiple-choice questions is that there is only one possible answer. This is in contrast to multiple-select questions (LINK), where multiple answer options are possible!

Example and score distribution of a multiple-choice question

Everyone has completed a multiple-choice question at some point. A simple example of this is as follows.

Question:

What colours make up the Optimum Assessment logo?

Answer options:

  1. Red and black
  2. Black and grey
  3. Red and yellow
  4. Grey and orange

Score distribution:

In the above example, you can choose to award 1 point for the correct answer (A). The other answer options (B, C and D) are worth 0 points.

Advantages, characteristics and features

In addition to the fact that candidates are generally familiar with this form of assessment, there are a number of other advantages to multiple-choice questions. These advantages mainly relate to the assessing organisation.

  • Swift and efficient evaluationMultiple-choice questions are quick to mark because the results can be processed automatically. An answer is either correct or incorrect, so the software can read the results very easily.
  • Objective evaluation: the questions require the participant to choose one specific answer. This prevents subjectivity in the correction process. Tip: also read how you can objectively assesses open questions.
  • Easy to create and manage: you can easily create and manage multiple choice questions with digital test software. The setup is actually quite simple.
  • Random testing is possibleDigital assessment software offers the possibility to randomise examinations. This reduces the risk of examination fraud and ensures fair examinations.

Disadvantages of multiple-choice questions

Does this type of question only have advantages? Unfortunately not! Of course, there are also disadvantages to using multiple-choice questions. Here are a few:

  • Limited knowledge assessmentMultiple-choice questions offer only a limited assessment of participants' knowledge and skills. This type of question offers only one answer option, which may not be sufficient to fully understand all the material.
  • Chance of gambling: With multiple choice questions, candidates have the opportunity to guess the correct answer. Keep this in mind, as it affects the reliability and validity of the test.
  • Limited informationMultiple-choice questions provide limited information about participants' knowledge and skills. With only one correct answer, they do not provide any insight into how participants arrived at their answer. This applies to all closed questions, of course, so definitely consider using open questions!
  • Not suitable for every assessmentMultiple-choice questions are not suitable for every type of assessment. Consider, for example, the evaluation of skills that cannot be expressed in a single answer, such as practical skills.

Tips for writing multiple choice questions

There are a number of guidelines you can keep in mind when creating multiple-choice questions.

  • Keep the question concise and specific.
  • Use clear and understandable language.
  • Avoid ambiguity and/or overlap within the answer options.
  • Provide sufficient answer options to gain an accurate picture of the participant's knowledge.
  • Perform the correct technical analyses to improve your examination questions.
  • Check the question and answers for grammatical and linguistic errors.

Are you looking for more general guidelines to streamline your digital assessment process? Read our blog: ‘how to create a good test’!

Conclusion – multiple-choice questions in (digital) testing

There is a good reason why multiple-choice questions are so popular. The ability to randomise them and the quick and efficient assessment process make them a favourite question type. When constructing a test, always make sure you choose the right question type. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our test technical consultants will be happy to work with you to achieve the optimal test experience. Are you looking for a total package for digital testing? Read more about Optimum Assessment Platform.