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Permutational multiple-choice questions: an objective and efficient alternative to essay-type examination questions

Published:01 August 1998Publication History
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Abstract

Despite the attractive characteristics of multiple-choice questions - efficient to mark, not subjective, etc. - they are rarely considered a suitable substitute for traditional essay-type questions. This is especially true for final year honours degree examinations. This paper introduces a new form of assessment: the Permutational Multiple-Choice Question (PMCQ). Results of trials in final year degree examinations indicate that these questions are as good as essay-type questions at discriminating among candidates. They also offer many benefits:• consistency and reliability in marking• reduced need for cross checking among assessment teams, or between franchised institutions,• objective and reproducible results;• efficiency in marking• quicker to mark,• can be automated;• broad coverage of syllabus.Unlike traditional multiple-choice questions, PMCQs are not susceptible to candidates guessing the correct answer. Candidates who guessed the answers in a PMCQ test could expect a mark of only 3% (compared with 25% in a "choose one from four" test), and the likelihood of gaining a 40% pass mark in a test of ten PMCQs would be only 1:4500 (rather than approx. 1:5).

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  1. Permutational multiple-choice questions: an objective and efficient alternative to essay-type examination questions

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