In a multiple-choice test, what are the remaining choices called after the correct choice?

In the context of multiple-choice tests, the remaining choices after the correct answer are referred to as distracters. These are designed to be plausible alternatives to the correct answer, which presents a challenge to the test takers. Distracters serve to assess the depth of a learner's understanding and can help gauge whether a candidate is able to distinguish between correct and incorrect information related to the subject matter.

By using distracters, test writers can more effectively evaluate a student's knowledge. The design of distracters is critical; they should be carefully crafted to be reasonable enough that someone without complete knowledge might consider them. This also helps to ensure that the test remains challenging and informative regarding the learner's grasp of the content.

The term "alternatives," while it may seem appropriate, typically refers to all the answer choices, including both the correct answer and the distracters, rather than specifically identifying the incorrect options. "Options" and "choices" are broader terms that do not specifically denote the incorrect responses within the context of a multiple-choice format.