Simplified Guidelines for Multiple-Choice Question Writing to Increase Faculty Compliance and Ensure Valid Student Results

This study aimed at presenting a simple, compiled multiple-choice questions’ (MCQs) guideline to the busy faculty to increase their compliance, to improve the item-writing quality and to enhance valid assessment. The current published MCQs guidelines were examined, preferably those in the field of medical education, from different medical schools in the USA, Canada, Britain, Europe, Australia and the Arabic area. Searching databases and publications were done through the Egyptian Knowledge Bank. Some of the guidelines were downloaded from ResearchGate or Google Scholar. After applying selection and exclusion criteria, 29 documents were legible and lastly only 14 guidelines were included in the final review construction. The data was cross-mapped to evaluate the shared points. Similar points were added together. A common single frame was made from which a simplified shortlist was prepared. The list included 25 criteria that were assigned into four areas such as the item format, item content, stem construction and alternative writing. Adding or re-allocation of some points was made to reach to the compiled form. The compilation and simplification were done to synthesise a 20-point list; five in each section. This list was presented in a table form and as a designed coloured card. The simplified shortlist is a single-page guide and the coloured pocket card is a novel product. They compile the scientific content of the guidelines; moreover, present them in an easier and simpler way to the busy faculty. Their adoption might be a good asset for faculty compliance, improving itemwriting quality, and enhancing the assessment process; aiming at ensuring valid student results.