A new format for multiple-choice testing: Discrete-Option Multiple-Choice. Results from early studies

The standard multiple-choice format has remained relatively unchanged for nearly 100 years, even over the past 25 years as multiple-choice tests have been computerized. We introduce a unique version of the multiple-choice format that has the potential to improve a test’s measurement and security properties, along with other advantages. We summarize our research with college students on course-level exams to demonstrate these benefits and to establish the Discrete-Option Multiple-Choice (DOMC) format as not only a viable way to measure skills and content knowledge, but an essential one.