What do we call an answer that is a false or incorrect option in a multiple choice question?

• A. Item
• B. Key
• C. Distractor
• D. Stem

Answer: (C)

A false or incorrect option in a multiple-choice question is referred to as a distractor. Distractors are designed to challenge the test taker’s knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. They serve the purpose of making the question more difficult by providing plausible but incorrect answers, which can lead to careful consideration and analysis of the content being tested.

Other terms in the context of multiple-choice questions include "item," which refers to the question or prompt itself; "key," which identifies the correct answer among the choices; and "stem," which refers to the wording of the question. However, when specifically discussing the incorrect choices, the term that captures the essence of those misleading options is distractor. Understanding this terminology is important for both constructing effective assessments and for test-taking strategies.