Five-Option vs Four-Option Multiple-Choice Questions

Abstract

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) may provide test takers with three, four, or five options and are appreciated for reliability and economic scoring. Five-option MCQs demand much more energy, experience, time, and expertise and may probably be considered to be more difficult four-option and three-option MCQs. Previous studies involved a great number of questions and participants. This study investigated the difference between five-option and four-option MCQs through deletion of non-functioning distracters (NFDs) in proportion to a classroom-based test by administering 28 MCQs to two intact classes of 34 participants. The results show that there was significant difference in participants’ scores (p 0.030< 0.05), significant difference in the number of NFDs (p 0.01<0.05), no significant difference in item facility (p 0.485>0.05), and significant difference in item discrimination (p 0.01<0.05). Classroom teachers are free to choose either the 5-option or 4-option version, depending on the purpose of the test. 
 
 Key words: five-option, four-option, non-functioning distractor

Evaluation of undergraduate ophthalmology medical students' methods of assessment during COVID-19 pandemic

“…20 All MCQ related to the present study were five-options. Budiyono (2019) concerned with analysis of non functioning distracters, item facility and item discrimination to compare between 5-options and 4options MCQ, he concluded that teachers are free to choose either the 5-options or 4-options version; depending on the purpose of the test. 21 The present study results revealed that students prefer MCQ with four options.…”

“…Budiyono (2019) concerned with analysis of non functioning distracters, item facility and item discrimination to compare between 5-options and 4options MCQ, he concluded that teachers are free to choose either the 5-options or 4-options version; depending on the purpose of the test. 21 The present study results revealed that students prefer MCQ with four options. So, further studies should be conducted to find out the suitable MCQ format for undergraduate ophthalmology students' assessment.…”