What are "distracters" in the context of multiple-choice questions?

Distracters refer to plausible but incorrect answers included among the choices in a multiple-choice question. Their primary purpose is to challenge the test-taker by providing responses that could potentially mislead or confuse them, making it harder to select the correct answer. Effective distracters are constructed to be credible and relevant, often reflecting common misconceptions or errors in understanding the topic at hand. This encourages deeper engagement with the material, as students must not only recognize the correct answer but also critically evaluate the distracters to eliminate them and reinforce their knowledge. Understanding distracters is essential for both test-takers and test designers; it aids in assessing comprehension and ensures that assessments accurately reflect a student's grasp of the subject matter.