Disadvantages of Multiple-Choice Items

1. Multiple-choice tests can be difficult and time consuming to write. The construction of plausible distracters can be especially difficult. The quality of the test is therefore dependent on the item-writing skill of the instructor.
2. There is a tendency to write items requiring only factual knowledge rather than higher-level skills and understandings.
3. Performance on MC items can be influenced by student characteristics unrelated to the subject matter, such as reading ability, deductive reasoning, the use of context clues and risk-taking
4. MC items are subject to clueing
5. MC items do not measure ability to organize and express ideas.