Multiple choice: select one

Typically, the multiple-choice question consists of a stem, key, and distractors. The question or the problem statement is the stem, correct answers forms the key and all other options are known as distractors.

All the answer options must be clear, distinct, and plausible. Providing answer options that are mutually exclusive and can stand-alone will help in getting honest feedback. Avoid double-barreled questions as it will make it difficult for you to come up with precise answer options and will confuse respondents leading them to provide vague replies.

Example of a multiple choice select one question

Multiple choice select one questions are the best choice when there can be only one answer.

Uses of multiple choice single select question

• Dichotomous surveys: They are used in situations when the answer can be only yes or no.

• Polls: Election polls or voting polls are a good example where single select questions are commonly used.

• Demographic questions: Multiple choice: select one questions are used to know gender, marital status, age group, annual income, etc.

• Multiple choice quiz: Schools and universities often prefer multiple choice: single select question type to conduct assessment and evaluation tests. The scoring logic further helps them to transform these quizzes into online tests.

Advantages of using multiple choice: select one questions in surveys

• Easy to analyse: Multiple-choice: single select questions are easy to process and simple to analyze.

• Flexible layout: Easily transition from vertical response layout to horizontal response layout for rating scales.

• Objective responses: When you ask respondents to pick one right answer from the provided options, you leave no space for subjectivity.

• Quick to respond: Compared to open-ended questions, a survey containing a single select question can be answered very quickly, thereby reducing the overall response time. Also, respondents do not have to spend time on identifying the question type and ideating an answer. Focusing on content is all that is required to answer a single select question.

How to add a multiple choice: single select question in your surveys

Check out our multiple choice single one help document for a better understanding of how it works.