A Comparison between Three-and Four-Option Multiple Choice Questions

To write plausible options for multiple choice questions (MCQs) is often a demanding job for test makers. Three-option MCQs might be a solution for the process of test making as well as test taking. This study was an attempt to compare three-option MCQs with four-option in terms of test usefulness. The participants were 114 second semester medical students taking the tests as their final examination concurrently while the time of test completion was recorded. The collected data were analysed by SPSS with the use of an independent t-test. The findings showed some differences in usefulness of these two test formats.