Writing MCQ in A “Reverse Way”: Feasibility and Usability

Introduction: Well-written Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) can assess higher level of thinking and test application of knowledge. Extensive faculty development is essential to diminish poor quality MCQs. The usual approach in writing MCQ is to select a topic, then to write a clinical scenario, then to think about the possible option list that should be included for this MCQ. Such approach can produce poor MCQs due to heterogeneity of option list. Writing MCQ from bottom (options) to top (scenario) reduces the effect of poorly selected options and improves the quality of MCQ. Methods:
A workshop was conducted to train faculty members how to construct MCQs in this way. After the workshop, semi-structured interview was done with group of participants to ask perception of trainee was assessed to see the feasibility and usability of this approach. Participants were interesting to use this approach. Results: They perceived it as feasible and usable method. Using this approach will produce high quality MCQ with homogenous option. Different scenarios can be written for the same list of options. This will increase the item pool in the question bank. Conclusion: Writing high quality MCQ in Medicine is an art rather a science. It needs a collaborative work from a group of experts in that a particular field to construct a very good MCQ to meet the recognised criteria of MCQ writing.