Writing Questions for Learning and Assessment (JiTL)-Rules for Multiple-Choice Items (Haladyna et al., 2002)

Rules for Multiple-Choice Items (Haladyna et al., 2002)

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The document summarizes key guidelines for writing effective multiple-choice (MC) test items, based primarily on Haladyna, Downing, and Rodriguez’s 2002 review. The rules are grouped into four main categories: content, formatting, style, and writing the stem and choices.<br /><br />Content rules emphasize that each item should assess a specific, important content area and mental behavior aligned with test specifications. Items should avoid trivial, opinion-based, overly specific or general content, and should not rely on simple recall or trick questions. Vocabulary must be suitable for the test-taker group, and items should be independent of each other.<br /><br />Formatting rules recommend using conventional MC formats (question, completion, best-answer), plus alternatives like true-false and matching, while avoiding the complex MC (Type K) format. Items should be formatted vertically with each choice on its own line.<br /><br />Style guidelines focus on careful editing, correct grammar and punctuation, minimizing reading load, and placing articles in choices rather than stems.<br /><br />When writing the stem, directions must be clear, the main idea included in the stem (not choices), wording should be positive, and unnecessary wording (“window dressing”) avoided. If negatives are used (e.g., NOT, EXCEPT), they should be capitalized and bolded for clarity.<br /><br />For choices, three effective options are adequate, with only one correct answer placed logically and varied in position. Choices should be independent, homogeneous in content and grammar, roughly equal in length, and phrased positively. “None-of-the-above” and “All-of-the-above” should be used cautiously or avoided. Distractors (incorrect choices) must be plausible, based on common student errors, and free of clues such as absolutes or grammatical mismatches. Humor may be used only if appropriate.<br /><br />Additional resources for item-writing guidance are provided from the NBME and CPL Just-in-Time Learning. This comprehensive list ensures MC questions effectively assess learning while minimizing bias or confusion.

Keywords

multiple-choice test items

Haladyna Downing Rodriguez 2002

content guidelines

formatting rules

style guidelines

stem writing

choice writing

distractors

test specifications

item-writing resources