Objective Examination
Dr. Niraj Pandit MD
Department of Community Medicine
SBKS MIRC
Objectives of session
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We try to understand
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What is objective examination?
Guide for Objective test frame
Myths about objective test
Objective examination
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Evaluation is a systematic process of
determining the extent to which the
predetermined objectives are achieved (by
the student).
It includes qualitative and quantitative
description (measurement) of desirability
of that behaviour.
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Objective examination can be part of
formative (diagnostic) and summative
(final assessment) exams.
Most popular objective exam is Multiple
Choice Questions (MCQ).
Guide for Objective test frame
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Individual questions are also known as Items.
Anatomy of MCQ
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Option
Components of a Multiple
Choice question:
a. Direction: Instructions to the candidates
E.g. Encircle the correct answer,
Tick (√) the correct answer
b. Stem: The problem (question) is called the
stem. It may be in the form of a direct question
or an incomplete statement.
c. Choices are called ALTERNATIVES.
[A] , [B], [C], [D]
The correct alternative(s) is called the ANSWER.
Remaining alternatives are called the
DISTRACTERS
Guidelines for framing MCQs
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1. Design each item to measure an important
learning outcome.
2. Present a single, clearly stated problem in a
stem
3. State the stem of the item briefly in simple and
clear language.
4. Make certain that the stem consists of a
statement or an idea, not just a single word
(exception Matching type)
5. Place all common elements in the stem of the
item. It makes the item compact.
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6. State the stem in positive form as far as
possible.
7. The words ‘NOT” or “ EXCEPT” should be
underlined or in bold letters when used in stem
8. Make certain that only the intended answer is
correct or clearly the best ( For one best response
type)
9. All the alternatives should be grammatically
consistent with the stem and parallel in form
10. Use plausible distracters. Each distracter
should by its nature and content be such that
appears to have something to do with the
question.
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11. Avoid clues that may suggest correct answer
and make each item complete & independent of the
answer to other items.
12. The distracters and the correct answer should be
similar in relative length and details so as to avoid
clues.
13. Avoid use of the alternatives ‘all of the above’
and ‘none of the above’ in the same item.
14. Be careful while using ‘None of the above’ as a
distracter or a correct answer.
15. Avoid double negatives and abbreviations as far
as possible.
16. In items with numerical alternatives arrange the
alternatives in rank order and use similar measuring
units.
Types of MCQs
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One( single) best response type
Matching type
Relationship-analysis type
Pictorial or tabulated or Graphic type
Case history type
Simulated patient management type
Advantages of objective test
Less time to answer
Quick to mark
More reliable
Suited to formative assessment
Good for breadth of knowledge
Well suited to
e-assessment
Myths about objective test
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Objective tests dumb-down education, Objective
tests are easy
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Objective tests can only be used to assess basic
knowledge
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Writing an objective test is easy
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Objective tests encourage guessing
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Objective testing is only fashionable because of
e-assessment
How to write MCQ
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Thank you