Commentary

Abstract

We are all now familiar with the format of multiple choice questions.  They have been the norm for written assessments in most parts of the world.  They have undergone many iterations as educationists have obtained insight into their reliability and reproducibility.  Starting from simple true and false statements and going to single response best choice has been a long journey.  All educationists and (most students) realise the value of a well made MCQ and the bane that poorly made ones can be.  In high stake assessments such as Fellowship certifying exams it is imperative that the quality of the questions is up to the mark.  In this context the DiSantes et al look at the quality of MCQs used in the top Radiology journals and find that their quality leaves much to be desired.  This should be a cautionary tale for the certifying bodies especially The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan.  Ensuring the quality of the MCQs is a big ask but necessary if they are to be a “high stakes” assessment tool.