Mastering the Art of Multiple Choice Questions: A Guide for eLearning Designers

Multiple choice questions (MCQs) serve more than just assessments; they’ve become foundational elements in the realm of eLearning games. Titles like Trivia and Jeopardy!^® showcase how questions with answer choices can gamify learning. These games rely on designers crafting questions with at least one correct answer and several distractors to enhance engagement.

Crafting Effective Questions

A successful MCQ begins with a well-thought-out question. It’s essential to consider the context and the purpose behind it. Is it aimed at assessing prior knowledge or facilitating inquiry-based learning? For example, pre-teaching questions can incorporate a lighter tone and relatable distractors.

Clearly communicate what you’re asking. If questions are overly complex, they risk being perceived as trick questions, which can demotivate learners. For effective question formulation, document the desired learning outcomes to keep your focus aligned.

The Power of Three: Answer Options

Are you often challenged by the quest for that extra distractor? Streamlining to three answer choices can not only save time but also enhance quality. Research by Haladyna and Rodriguez (2013) suggests that three options are usually sufficient and effective. Additionally, Kilgour and Tayyaba (2015) found that learners typically found questions with three distractors more challenging.

Non-Examples: The Art of Distractors

Our brain categorizes information, making the differentiation between examples and non-examples crucial in learning. For instance, while kale is a vegetable, an orange is not. When devising distractors, frame them as non-examples to help anchor new concepts within existing knowledge.

Avoid trick questions; instead, aim for clarity and relevance. Note that effective feedback is just as important, aiding learners in understanding why a distractor is incorrect.

Engaging with Subject Matter Experts

Distractors can unveil common misconceptions, making insights from subject matter experts (SMEs) invaluable. Collaborate with SMEs to ensure that your distractors reflect realistic alternatives and typical misunderstandings. Consider asking questions like:

• What common misconceptions exist surrounding this topic?
• Which behaviors do you encourage or discourage in practice?
• What realistic mistakes can learners make?
• What are the consequences of misunderstanding this concept?
• Are there specific terms you use in the field?

Maintain Semantic Consistency

Inconsistencies in grammar can inadvertently hint at correct answers. Ensure all options are:

• Aligned with the question’s intent.
• Grammatically parallel.
• Similar in length to maintain attention.

Avoiding Tricky Phrasing

“All of the above” or “None of the above” can unintentionally provide clues. Hence, it’s often best to remove these options. Opt for positive phrasing in your questions to encourage clearer understanding.

Validation is Key

Before finalizing your quiz or game, it’s crucial to validate your questions. Each should connect back to specific learning objectives. Seek feedback from colleagues to ensure clarity and discern whether multiple choices are mutually exclusive.

Post-deployment, conduct a distractor analysis to refine your approach. Understanding which distractors were frequently selected can spotlight areas of misunderstanding.

In summary, effective distractors are essential for creating engaging quizzes and games. Simplifying answer options, framing non-examples, and collaborating with SMEs enhance question quality. Additionally, adhering to semantic guidelines, minimizing tricky phrasing, and validating your work ensure that your questions facilitate learning effectively.

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Resources:

• Brame, C. (2013) Writing good multiple choice test questions.
• Butler, A. C. (2018). Multiple-choice testing in education.
• Gierl et al. (2017). Developing and using Distractors for Tests.
• Haladyna, T. M., & Rodriguez, M. C. (2013). Developing and validating test items.
• Kilgour JM, Tayyaba S. Optimal number of distractors.
• Malamed, C. The Importance of Writing Effective Distractors (2020).
• “Schemas and Memory.” Psychologist World.