A. Premise
B. Response
C. Stem
D. None
Answer is = C
You are absolutely right! In the context of Multiple Choice (MC) questions, the statement of the problem is referred to as the:
C. Stem
Here’s why the other options aren’t used in this context:
- Premise: This term is more commonly associated with matching items, where it refers to the item in the first column that serves as the starting point for identifying the corresponding answer.
- Response: This refers to the answer choices provided in an MC question. Test takers select the response they believe is the most accurate or correct answer to the problem presented in the stem.
Stem is the core element of an MC question. It presents the problem, scenario, or question that the test taker needs to answer. It typically includes all the information necessary for the test taker to understand the context and evaluate the answer choices.
Here’s a breakdown of the key components of an MC question:
- Stem: The statement that presents the problem or question.
- Response options: A set of answer choices, typically denoted by letters (A, B, C, D, etc.).
- Correct answer: The single most accurate or appropriate answer choice among the options.
- Distractors: Incorrect answer choices designed to be plausible but ultimately misleading.
By effectively using a clear and concise stem, MC questions can effectively assess a test taker’s knowledge, understanding, and ability to apply concepts to solve problems or make informed decisions.