Multiple-choice questions are powerful study tools, not just test formats. Using them for low-stakes, active quizzing (retrieval practice) forces your brain to recall information, strengthens memory, and helps identify knowledge gaps faster than re-reading notes. You can use tools like Genio’s Quiz Me feature to quiz yourself right after class and learn effectively from wrong answers.
Why should I use multiple-choice questions as a study tool?
Multiple-choice question quizzes aren’t just for testing—they’re powerful tools to deepen your learning. When used effectively, multiple-choice questions help you actively retrieve information, handle tricky questions with confidence, and give your brain a workout that sticks. They force your brain to actively recall information instead of passively re-reading notes, strengthening your memory and solidifying what you know.
The science
This active recall is known as retrieval practice, which studies show enhances long-term retention more effectively than just reviewing material. Daily, low-stakes quizzing promotes “desirable difficulty,” where the cognitive effort strengthens learning.
The benefit
Each time you get a question right, you’re rewarded with a small confidence boost (known as the positive testing effect). Even wrong answers are valuable, as they immediately show you where your knowledge gaps are so you can fix them.
What is the science behind why multiple-choice questions are effective for learning?
The science of why multiple-choice questions work is rooted in retrieval practice and the concept of desirable difficulty. Multiple-choice questions force your brain to actively recall information instead of passively re-reading notes, strengthening your memory and solidifying what you know.
Active recall
By having to select the correct answer from several options, you are actively engaging with the knowledge in your memory. This process strengthens the neural pathways associated with that information.
Desirable difficulty
Daily, low-stakes quizzing, promotes desirable difficulty, where cognitive effort strengthens learning. Studies show that this process may slow down learning in the short term but significantly enhances long-term retention. This is an opportunity to identify what you don’t know and strengthen memory.
How can I use multiple-choice questions to learn the material better?
Regularly working with multiple-choice questions is like getting in the kitchen and trying the recipe yourself, rather than just watching a tutorial. Here is how multiple choice questions actually help your brain:
1. Practice right after class
When you take a quick quiz right after learning something new, your brain has to actually recall the information, not just recognize it. This helps you find out immediately what you didn't quite get so you can ask questions while the material is fresh.
2. Learn from wrong answers
Getting questions wrong is actually super helpful. When you miss a question, figure out why you thought your answer was right, and then look up the correct answer to really understand it. You'll likely remember the correct information better next time because you solved the mystery yourself.
3. Pay attention to all answer choices
The other answer choices aren't just there to distract you. They usually show common mix-ups. For each question, read all the options and figure out why the wrong answers are wrong. This helps you understand the whole concept, not just memorize one correct fact.
4. Give your brain time to process
Try taking a practice quiz, waiting a day, and then checking the answers. This delay, known as spaced repetition, helps build stronger memories than immediate checking.
5. Study with others
Working with classmates makes everything clearer. Take turns explaining answers, share those "ohhhh, now I get it" moments, and learn from how other people think about the material.
How can I easily start using multiple-choice questions in my study routine?
You don't need special study skills or a perfect memory. Just start small – even 10 minutes of practice questions after class can make a difference.
After each class
- Make up 3-5 questions about what you just learned
- Find practice questions in your textbook
- Quiz yourself while it's still fresh
Throughout the week
- Focus on the topics that confused you in class
- Keep track of areas you need to review in more detail
With your study group
- Share questions you've created
- Explain answers to each other
- Figure out tricky concepts together
Note: if you don’t have a study group, you can join the Genio Student Ambassador program, where you can meet other students and buddy up for better learning!
Tools like Genio Notes' Quiz Me can help you take advantage of multiple-choice questions for better learning, including picking up equations and formulas from your audio transcript for subjects like STEM. Genio’s AI engine automatically creates a quiz from your recorded class, making the process of active retrieval after class effortless.
However you decide to implement multiple choice questions into your study routine, it’s important to do so - your future self (especially during finals week) will thank you!
