SingleMultipleChoice

SingleMultipleChoice is a term used to describe a question format in assessments in which respondents select exactly one option from several presented choices. It is commonly referred to as single-select or single-answer multiple-choice. The correct option is determined in advance; in many systems, scoring yields full credit for choosing the correct option and zero for incorrect choices.

This format differs from multiple-response or multiple-select questions, where more than one option can be correct. SingleMultipleChoice emphasizes recognition of a single correct answer rather than identifying multiple correct options. Effective items present plausible distractors to reduce guessing and to better discriminate between learners of differing ability levels.

Design considerations include ensuring that the stem is clear and unambiguous, avoiding clues embedded in the options, and aligning items with specific learning objectives and appropriate difficulty. Item-writing guidelines often discourage patterns such as “All of the above” or “None of the above,” though some assessments may include them under certain conditions.

Advantages of single multiple choice include rapid administration, objective scoring, and efficient content coverage. Disadvantages include susceptibility to guessing, limited assessment of higher-order thinking, and potential for test-taking strategies that do not reflect true understanding.

In educational technology and learning management systems, SingleMultipleChoice refers to a question type that presents single-select controls, such as radio buttons, for answer selection. It is a widely supported format for online quizzes and standardized assessments.