The administration of a multiple choice question bank

The widespread use of multiple choice questions (MCQs) in examinations in medicine has introduced a new dimension into the administration of examinations. The need for the storage and retrieval of large numbers of questions, together with the considerable volume of numerical data generated by item-analysis, has led to the development of a new part-time occupation for many medical teachers--that of administrators of MCQ banks. This paper is based on over 10 years' experience with the bank used for the production of the papers for Part I of the MRCP (U.K.) and is naturally biased in favour of the system developed by the Colleges. It is hoped, however, that the principles outlined are of general application in the procedures adopted by other examining bodies.