Multiple-choice questions are deservingly popular — because they are easy to create, administer, and analyze.
This blog post will serve as a comprehensive guide for multiple-choice questions, examples, types and some FAQs.
- What are Multiple Choice Questions?
- 10 types of MCQ questions
- From single-select MCQ to image-based answers
- Advantages of multiple choice questions
- How to use multiple choice survey questions
- FAQs on MCQs
What are Multiple Choice Questions?
Simply put, multiple choice questions are those questions that are posed alongside a selection of possible answers. Typically, three to five options are given alongside for the respondents to choose from. Multiple choice questions can also come in the form of surveys, polls and quizzes.
The nature of the answer options, i.e., whether answers should remain single-select or multi-select, largely depends on the discretion of the survey maker. The respondent then goes on to select one (or more) options from the multiple choices.
Multiple-choice questions enjoy wide applicability and acceptance. This popular survey question type allows for a more intuitive and structured survey response leading to easy-to-analyze data.
Here’s a quick multiple choice questions example:
Sample Multiple Choice Questionnaire
Preview Template
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Related: 12 Types of Survey Questions to Collect All Types of Data
10 Types of Multiple Choice Questions
Now that we’ve covered the base, one might wonder what the different types of multiple choice questions are.
There are broadly two types – single select and multiple select.
- Single select multiple choice questions
- Multi-select multiple choice questions
- Dropdown menu multiple choice questions
- Star rating multiple choice questions
- Text slider multiple choice question
- Numeric slider multiple choice question
- Thumbs Up/Down multiple choice question
- Matrix table multiple choice question
- Rank order multiple choice question
- Image/picture based multiple choice question
1. Single select multiple choice questions
Single-select multiple choice questions are closed-ended questions that help the respondents choose from options they might not have initially thought of. In these types of questions, the respondents can pick only one option among the predetermined options. These questions are very much effective in finding out a user’s primary preference.
Examples of single select multiple choice questions with their answers
1. Do you feel comfortable asking for help when you’re stuck?
- Yes, I feel very much comfortable asking for help. That’s how you learn!
- No, I’m scared people might judge me.
2. Do you trust your manager to listen and understand what you have to say?
- I fully and wholeheartedly do!
- No, I’m afraid we don’t have that kind of dynamic yet.
3. Are you familiar with the company goals?
- Yes. Very much so! It’s my bible
- No. But I’d love to
- Not yet. But I’m working towards it.
4. How satisfied are you with our product or services?
- Very satisfied
- Somewhat satisfied
- Yet to form an opinion
- Not satisfied
- Completely dissatisfied
2. Multi-select multiple choice questions
In this type of multiple choice question, the respondents can choose more than one option. There are roughly two categories of multi-select multiple choice questions.
- Permuting multiple choice questions, where the selections are permuted each time they appear.
- Non-permuting multiple choice questions, where the selection order is static. The survey creator uses checkboxes for these questions, and the respondent chooses the most appropriate answers from the selection.
A few examples of this multiple choice question type
1. How did you find out about our product?
- A friend recommended it to me!
- Youtube
- Google Ads
- Other (please specify)
2. Which 3 features of our product are most valuable to you?
- Ease of use
- Functionality
- Build durability
- Portability
- Design and aesthetics
3. What are the 3 features that we currently miss?
4. What problems would you like to solve with our product?
3. Dropdown menu multiple choice questions
Another type of MCQ, dropdown, allows respondents to choose an answer from a list of choices presented in the dropdown menu. Depending on the use case, the survey maker can configure the option to let the respondent choose one or multiple options.
This type of question is typically used when respondents are required to select from a pool of options and is one of the most commonly used question types in market research surveys. It is easy to use, easy to answer, invariably reduces the length of the survey, and makes it concise.
Need more ideas? We hear you.
Here are a few more examples of drop-down MCQs with their answers
1. What gender do you identify as?
- Male
- Female
- Transgender
- Prefer not to say
2. What is your highest level of education?
- High school or equivalent
- Technical or occupational certificate
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctorate degree
3. What industry are you in?
- Accounting
- Administrative
- Education
- Engineering
- Financial Services
- Hospitality
- Information technology
- Management
- Nursing
- Sales
- Other( please specify)
5. What is your approximate annual household income?
- $10 000 to $24 999
- $25 000 to 49 999
- $50 000 to 74 999
- $75 000 to 99 999
- $100 000 to 149 999
- $150 000 and greater
4. Star rating multiple choice questions
A star rating question is a type of multiple choice question that allows the user to rank attributes on a point-scale represented by the stars. It is essentially a five-point matrix question that allows for visual scaling; with the only difference being in the place of radio buttons or checkboxes, stars are utilized.
A star rating multiple choice question offers an exciting way to collect feedback because of its interactivity. These multiple choice questions are particularly effective on mobile due to the graphic user interface, and simple tap-to-enter, or drag-and-drop functionality. Plus, the assigned weighed scale for each star can be easily converted to numerical data, making it effortless to generate reports.
Here are some other examples of this question type
1. How likely are you to return to our website?
2. How well does our product meet your needs?
3. How would you rate the value for the money of the product?
5. Text slider multiple choice questions
A good alternative to the open-ended questions, a text slider multiple choice question allows the respondents to answer on a text scale by dragging a slider. They drag the slider bar to select their desirable options, making it yet another convenient graphical rating question type.
This question type saves the respondent a lot of time as they don’t have to manually enter any text or number to answer the question asked. Another feature that makes this question type stand out is the respondent can also opt for a neutral option.
Here are some popularly asked text slider questions –
1. How satisfied are you with your in-store experience today?
2. How likely will you recommend our product or service to others?
3. Did you feel that our team answered your inquiry promptly?
4. Do you agree or disagree that your issue was effectively resolved?
5. How likely are you to purchase again from us?
Get access to the free checklist of multiple choice questions here:
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6. Numeric slider multiple choice question
Similar to the text slider multiple choice question, in this question type, the respondent can answer the question by selecting values by dragging the slide through the range. This rating scale has proved particularly useful for allowing the survey makers to produce a more extensive range of questions involving numerical data.
Similar examples of numeric slider multiple choice questions with their answers
1. How many hours would you like to work ideally? (5-12)
2. Number of songs that you’d ideally like in a movie? (0-10)
3. Your preferred AC temperature at the workplace? (15-30)
4. What’s your average bike speed while you drive in the city? (20-100)
5. How many times are you likely to order food online in a week? (0-25)
6. Rate your satisfaction with our team in resolving your issue. (0-10)
Did you know SurveySparrow offers a multitude of other handy variations of multiple slider questions? Engage your respondents better with our Thermometer slider, Gauge meter, smileys, and traffic lights.
7. Thumbs up/down multiple choice question
Set apart by their power of simplicity, this classic question type finds marks high attendance in most surveys. Primarily used to elicit respondents’ opinions, the thumbs up/down question helps them to make a quick choice between what they like and dislike.
For this multiple-choice question, an image is used to show thumbs up (for sharing positive feedback) and thumbs down (for sharing negative feedback). Yes, it’s as simple as that. From the standpoint of the survey creator, it would be advisable to insert a text box for obtaining the respondents’ opinions and comments.
Here are a few examples of this question type
1. Did you like your stay with us?
2. Are you enjoying our products so far?
3. Can we connect you with a customer success manager via chat?
4. Were you able to find the information you were looking for on our website?
5. How much effort did you personally have to put forth in handling your request?
8. Matrix table multiple choice question
Matrix table questions are used when you need to combine multiple queries with the same answers. To put it simply, it is most useful when you need to ask multiple questions that should be rated on the same scale. Quite earnestly, a matrix question is nothing but multiple questions presented on a grid.
There are two components to a matrix table question- statements (rows of the matrix table. These are the statements you would like a respondent to rate) and scale points (columns of the matrix table. These are the ratings you want respondents to choose for each statement)
There are quite a few variations on the matrix table question. Each variation has unique options and a unique format.
Related: Want to know how to use matrix questions in your online surveys? Here’s a blog post to guide you through it. 🙂
9. Rank order multiple choice question
This multiple-choice question lets the respondents order answer options as per their preference. This survey question type allows them to rearrange and rank multiple-choice options in a specific order, thereby evaluating multiple row items based on a specific format.
Because of this, rank order MCQ remains one of the most popular question types there is. They offer detailed insights and are typically used when the researcher wants to know the order of preference of options listed based on attributes such as their features, needs, likes, dislikes, etc.
Respondents can easily drag and drop the answer choices to re-order them as they choose.
10. Image/picture-based multiple choice question
Another visual variety of multiple choice questions, a picture choice question, allows for visualization of the answer options. The respondents can then review and select the option of their choice. This survey question type is a boon in making your surveys or forms look dynamic and overall more engaging.
There are two types of image questions:
- Single-select image question: This is a multiple choice question in which respondents have to select a single image from the choices offered.
- Multi-select image question: In this multiple choice question, the respondents select multiple images from the choices offered.
Further examples of this question type
1. Do you prefer to shop on your phone or laptop?
2. Which of the following flavors is your favorite?
3. Which of our products are you most excited about?
4. What is your mode of transportation for getting to the office?
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Advantages of Using Multiple-Choice Questions
Needless to say, multiple choice questions are primary to surveys. They are versatile, intuitive, and produce structured data that’s easy to analyze.
In many ways, MCQs are considered to be the gold standard by most people, thanks to their advantages over other question types. Here’s a rundown of some of its benefits:
- Optimal for mobile devices: Considering that most people end up taking surveys on their mobiles or tablets, mobile devices aren’t the best interfaces for surveys that use lots of text boxes or require a lot of scrolling. That’s when the role of multiple choice options comes into play. They are a lot easier to navigate, facilitating fast, efficient analysis and reporting.
- Simple and accessible: We can all agree that selecting an option is a lot easier than typing in a response. You’ll typically enjoy more response rates and completion rates with multiple choice questions on your survey.
- Provide concrete definitions: When crafting survey questions in which you more or less know the range of responses you will get, it’s best to go with a multiple-choice question. The respondents will have an easy time answering questions as they already have the response options available in front of them. This also zeroes down the tedious process of weeding out irrelevant answers.
How to Use Multiple Choice Questions in Your Survey: In 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Log into your SurveySparrow account. If you don’t have an account yet, don’t worry. You can sign up and set one in under a minute. Yeah, it’s as simple as that.
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Step 2: Tap on the +New survey at the top right corner
Step 3: Start a classic survey. Give your survey a name.
Step 4: To get started with creating your survey, go to Build and add your first question.
Step 5: Select the question type of your choice. And voila! You’re all set.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know what multiple-choice questions are, their different types, and how to use them in your survey, it’s time to get the ball rolling.
SurveySparrow could be your perfect partner in creating, distributing, and analyzing your surveys. With over 25+ question types, including the ones mentioned above, it helps you create conversational and engaging surveys that gather actionable insights.
That’s it, folks. Happy surveying!
FAQs on MCQs
1. What are the parts of a multiple-choice question?
A multiple-choice question is essentially made of the stem(the question asked), the correct answer, and distractors(the incorrect answers)
2. When should I use multiple choice questions in my survey?
Multiple-choice questions are a great choice when you are, in some measure, aware of the scope of your respondents’ answers.
3. What are some of the tips for writing multiple-choice questions?
Firstly, while writing MCQs, it is important to provide clear, concise, and distinctive answer options. Secondly, whenever possible, remember to include the “other” option so that respondents can chime in their own thoughts and suggestions.
