Multiple-Choice Items with Combinations of Correct Responses

Abstract

Multiple-choice test items with more than one correct response are widely used in the medical sciences in licensure and certification examinations. This stud) presents an amalgam of available evidence regarding formats and scoring formulas for this type of item. Strong evidence of cluing in the Type K format that increases percentage of correct scores and reduces test reliabilitiv lead to recommendations of using the Type Xformat. Further recommendations are made regarding alternative methods of scoring Tvpe X items.