What is a key guideline for writing multiple choice questions?

Writing effective multiple-choice questions is crucial for assessing knowledge accurately. A key guideline is to avoid providing stems or questions in negative form. This is important because negative phrasing can create confusion and misinterpretation among test-takers. For instance, a question framed negatively, such as "Which of the following is not a benefit of..." can lead to a misunderstanding of what is being asked, especially under timed conditions or in high-pressure situations. By keeping the wording straightforward and positive, the question is clearer and allows the examinee to focus on selecting the best answer without the added complication of deciphering a double negative.

The other choices provide practices that do not align with effective question construction. For instance, suggesting that the longest option is always the correct answer can encourage guesswork rather than understanding, and stating that answers should be unrelated to the question undermines the very purpose of assessing knowledge. Additionally, using absolute terms like "always" and "never" can lead to ambiguity and discourage critical thinking, as situations in the real world can often be more nuanced than these extremes suggest.