singlechoice

Single-choice question (SCQ) is a question format that presents several answer options of which only one is correct. It is a common item type in exams, quizzes, and surveys, used to assess knowledge, comprehension, or application. The remaining options are distractors designed to distinguish between knowledgeable and less-informed respondents.

Format typically includes a stem followed by a list of options. Scoring usually awards one point for selecting the correct option and zero for others. Some practice environments may apply penalties for incorrect responses, but this is uncommon in standard assessments.

Design considerations emphasize clarity and fairness. Stems should be concise and unambiguous, avoiding double negatives and clues that point to the correct answer. Options should be plausible and similar in length, with only one best choice. Order of options is typically randomized to minimize position bias.

Advantages include objective scoring, rapid administration, and easy statistical analysis of item performance. Limitations include the potential for cueing or guessing, limited assessment of higher-order thinking, and the possibility that test performance reflects test-taking skill rather than deep understanding.

Item analysis commonly reports difficulty and discrimination indices, and educators iteratively revise items after pilot testing. Best practices align items with learning objectives, use credible distractors, avoid irrelevant content, and ensure consistency across test forms.