describe the general principles to be observed when compiling multiple choice questions

Answer 1

When compiling multiple-choice questions, it is important to follow several general principles to ensure the questions are fair, effective, and valid. These principles include:

1. Clarity and Simplicity: Clearly state the question stem and ensure it is easily understandable to all test-takers. Avoid using overly complex or convoluted wording that could confuse or mislead participants.

2. Single Best Answer: Provide a clear, definite, and unambiguous correct answer for each question. Avoid including answers that could confuse the test-takers or have multiple plausible options.

3. Relevant Distractors: Include plausible incorrect alternatives (distractors) that are related to the question stem and represent common errors or misconceptions. Distractors should be realistic and avoid being too obvious or easily identified as incorrect.

4. Avoid Clues in Construction: Ensure that the language, grammar, or syntax of the options does not provide clues to the correct answer. All options should be grammatically correct and similar in structure.

5. Similar Length and Format: Keep the length and format of the options consistent to avoid giving away the answer through inadvertent cues, such as longer options being correct more often.

6. Avoid Negative Forms: Refrain from using negatively worded questions or options, as they can confuse test-takers and make it more challenging to determine the correct answer.

7. Cover All Options: Make sure there is only one correct answer and all other options represent plausible incorrect alternatives. Ensure the set of options exhaustively includes all relevant possibilities.

8. Randomize Option Order: Randomly order the options, so the correct answer is not consistently placed in a particular position (e.g., always as the first or last option). This reduces the likelihood of guessing the answer based on position alone.

9. Avoid Familiar Patterns: Vary the arrangement of correct answers; for example, not always using 'all of the above' or 'none of the above' as the correct answer option.

10. Test Higher Order Thinking: Design questions that test a test-taker's comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, or evaluation skills rather than mere recall or rote memorization.

Remember, these are general principles, and the specifics of compiling multiple-choice questions may vary depending on the subject matter, the purpose of the assessment, and the intended audience.