Handling Multiple Choice Questions MCQ Dr C N
- Slides: 16
Handling Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Dr. C N Sarker Associate Professor & Head of Medicine, MMC
What is MCQ? b This is a question where alternatives are given to identify the appropriate answer/answers.
Structure of MCQ b Item - whole of an MCQ is called an item b Stem - the main part of the item (i. e. . The part that presents the scenario) is called the question stem b Lead - in statement - the part of the item that tells the candidates what he has to do b Alternative - the answer part of an MCQ
Structure of MCQ - contd. . b Key - a correct alternative b Distracter - an incorrect alternative
Structure of MCQ - contd. . b 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. . b Alternatives • • • a) iron b) folic acid c) nicotinic acid d) vitamin B 12 c) myoglobin – Key - a, b, d – Distracters- c, e
Types of MCQ b One best response b Multiple true - false b Matching type b Multiple completion type b Reason - Assertion or Relationship analysis type
Example of Multiple True False b Lead in statement - i. e. instruction b Stem - in the form of question, statement, case history, or clinical data b 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. b Lead in statement - select the one best response b Stem - deficiency of niacin leads to the development of : b Alternative - a) diarrhea • b) photophobia c) peripheral neuropathy d) cheilosis • Key - a
One best response e. g. . b 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 b 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) b Each item consists of an assertion (statement A) linked to a reason (statement B) by the connecting word because
Advantage & scope of MCQ b Can test large sample of knowledge b Short period of time b Ease of scoring b Objectivity or reliability of scoring
Disadvantages of MCQ b Not suitable for highest level of Cognitive domain b Can’t test ability to write logically & systematically b Can’t test capability of expression b Can’t test motor skills
Check List for making MCQ b Item should deal with all important aspects of the subject b Minutiae of medical knowledge should be avoided b Daily working knowledge should be applied b Level of knowledge expected from the examinee should be appropriate
Check List - contd. . b Clear, accurate, & brief statement is logical b Alternatives must be grammatically consistent with stem b Alternative must be a plausible response b Avoid duplication b Avoid “none of the above/ all of the above” when each alternative carry equal marks
