Is the first answer really always best?

David Maynard Fort Wayne, In, United States

For EVER I've read the advice that when taking multiple-choice exams (such as all of the PMI exams), your first choice is most often the correct answer. This has always bugged my 'over - thinking' habit.

Is this really true? Has anyone ever seen a study that examined this and shows that the majority of people's first choice of an answer in a multiple choice answer format is correct?

Personally, I pick one I like, then re-read the question to see if it fits, and if it doesn't I change YES CHANGE it breaking the "first choice rule.

Is there any validity to "your first choice is always best" on exams?

... 'doubting Dave.

Posted: Mar 25, 2020 3:06 PM

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Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD Senior Project Manager| Infosys Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Mar 25, 2020 5:15 PM

Replying to David Maynard

...

Hi Sante. I didn't word my question very well. I meant the first answer that you CHOOSE as being correct is most likely correct. I hear that all the time. I wonder if it's really true.

Hi David, there is evidence that one's first choice has a higher success rate, but I wouldn't rely on that in the exam.

Posted: Mar 26, 2020 7:08 PM

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Is the first answer really always best?

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