Comments are welcome.
Some teachers assume that multiple choice items encourage superficial studying.
However, essay tests have their own set of problems. That seems like a poor way to assign a grade. However, if students are asked to do the test on a word processor, it is hard to insure that the work is original. Studies have also shown that grades for essay tests are influenced by length. If a student rambles on at length, there is greater likelihood of hitting a few points that the teacher is looking for.