Evaluation of different MCQ-scoring-system in a medical school

The MCQ scores of final medical students in surgery for the years 1990 and 1991 were analysed. The score for a correct answer was plus 1 mark in both years. The penalty for incorrect answer for the year 1990 was minus-1 mark as had been practiced during the previous 15 years. The penalty for the year 1991 was minus 1/4 for an incorrect answer. This low penalty of minus 1/4 resulted in an inflated MCQ score as compared with the essay questions and both clinical and oral examination results. The low score recorded during the year 1990 is a genuine reflection of inadequate performance rather than bad evaluation since the MCQ bank is the same and the panel of examiners has not changed. It is concluded that minus 1 mark penalty has many advantages and therefore should be the practice.