For students anxious about multiple-choice tests, it's essential to remember that these tests serve as memory aids because the answer is provided among the options.
If you find yourself re-reading questions or options for multiple choice questions or second-guessing yourself, here are some key strategies to keep in mind:
- Read Multiple-Choice Options Carefully: Pay close attention to each option provided. Sometimes, the difference between a correct answer and a distractor can be subtle.
- You may want to slow the amount of information you are processing. This is critical if your disability impacts on your working memory, short-term memory, processing speed, and/or attention. As well, for memory/recall of information, the following suggestions can help you process and recall information when you have multiple options to choose from.
- As you read the question, circle/highlight/underline keywords. This will help you focus on important aspects of the question and help you process the information if you are skimming the question too quickly
- Read it again: Stop and think
- Cover the options with an object (i.e.: T-card, paper, hand, etc.). Write down keywords for the answer so that you have written this information down before reviewing the question options. This can help with recall and reduces you doubting your answer!
- Create T or F question to apply to each option
- Example: Which of the following is a variable that a psychologist manipulates when experimenting?
- Question: Is this a variable?
- Question: Is it manipulated in an experiment?
- Mark the option as T or F. If it’s False, cross it out, So, it no longer enters your brain.
- If two (or more) are true and at least one is false, choose a “combination” answer, e.g. “a and d”
Be Confident in Your Responses: Trust your instincts and knowledge. Avoid overthinking and second-guessing yourself excessively, as it may lead to changing correct answers to incorrect ones.
Consider strategies customized according to test format: Some strategies work better for some types of tests and courses than others. If you are going to be writing multiple-choice tests, then, it is usually wise to study for these tests by creating mock multiple-choice questions. The same can be said for essay or problem-solving format tests found in Math, Science and Humanities