An update of multiple choice questions (MCQs): the sequential multiple choice questions (SMCQs)

Authors

  • V. Carta Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy
  • A. Catalano Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy
  • M. Ferappi Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy
  • G. Lentini Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy
  • F. Palluotto Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy
  • P. Tortorella Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy
  • V. Tortorella Medicinal-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Bari, Italy

Keywords:

pharmacy continuing education, professional education, skill evaluation

Abstract

This report describes the process of developing a new type of multiple-choice question (MCQ), called sequential multiple-choice questions (SMCQs), in order to reduce the probability of answering correctly by chance and contrast the students’ tendency to copy. In SMCQs the five possible answers to a question are connected to one another on an approximation scale towards the most probable answer.

References

Azzopardi, L. M. (Ed.) (2004) MCQs in Pharmacy Practice, 2nd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press.

Azzopardi, L. M., & Tortorella, V. (2006) Sequential Questions. In L. M. Azzopardi (Ed.), Further MCQs in Pharmacy Practice. London: Pharmaceutical Press (pp. 287-293; 314-319).

Denyer, G., & Hanchock, D. (2002). Graded Multiple Choice Questions: Rewarding Understanding and Preventing Plagiarism J. Chem. Ed., 79, 961-964.

Hall, G. D., & Reiss, B. S. (2004). Appleton & Lange Review of Pharmacy, 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Romano, J. A., & Wiener, M. B. (1983) Mill’s Pharmacy State Board Review, 30th ed. New York: Medical Examination Publishing Company.

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How to Cite

Carta, V., Catalano, A., Ferappi, M., Lentini, G., Palluotto, F., Tortorella, P., & Tortorella, V. (2015). An update of multiple choice questions (MCQs): the sequential multiple choice questions (SMCQs). Pharmacy Education, 9. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/274

Issue

Vol. 9 (2009)

Section

Research Article

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