scholarly journals A Comparison Between Written Assessment Methods: Multiple-choice and Short Answer Questions in End-of-clerkship Examinations for Final Year Medical Students

Cureus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fareeha Farooqui ◽  
Nadia Saeed ◽  
Sahira Aaraj ◽  
Muneeza A Sami ◽  
Muhammad Amir
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
THOMAS PUTHIAPARAMPIL ◽  
Md Mizanur Rahman

Abstract Background Multiple choice questions, used in medical school assessments for decades, have many drawbacks, such as: hard to construct, allow guessing, encourage test-wiseness, promote rote learning, provide no opportunity for examinees to express ideas, and do not provide information about strengths and weakness of candidates. Directly asked and answered questions like Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQ) is considered a better alternative with several advantages. Objectives This study aims to substantiate the superiority of VSAQ by actual tests and obtaining feedback from the stakeholders. Methods Conduct multiple true-false, one best answer and VSAQ tests in two batches of medical students, compare their scores and psychometric indexes of the tests and seek opinions from students and academics regarding these assessment methods. Results Multiple true-false and best answer test scores showed skewed results and low psychometric performance compared to better psychometrics and more balanced student performance in VSAQ tests. The stakeholders’ opinions were significantly in favour of VSAQ. Conclusion and recommendation This study concludes that VSAQ is a viable alternative to multiple choice question tests, and it is widely accepted by medical students and academics in the medical faculty.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Monique Trigg ◽  
John Barnard ◽  
Hannah Pham ◽  
Peter Devitt

This chapter covers multiple choice questions (MCQs), extended matching questions (EMQs), short answer questions (SAQs), essays, situational judgement test (SJT exam), and the prescribing skills assessment (PSA exam). It focuses on the importance of exam technique with useful tips for the start, during, and after the exam. The chapter provides examples of different types of questions, and how to best prepare and answer them. More recent additions to the curriculum, such as the SJT and PSA, are explained in detail. The SJT is an essential requirement in the final year of clinical schools nationwide, and the score is considered in ranking Foundation Year applications. The PSA tests a final-year medical student’s ability to prescribe. The examination is online and involves MCQs and some SAQs. This chapter includes important links with further updated information, and is written for both those looking to apply for medicine, and those in medical school.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. ar1
Author(s):  
Nicole B. Reinke ◽  
Mary Kynn ◽  
Ann L. Parkinson

An immersive 320° 3D experience of osmosis was perceived by cell biology students to be fun, useful, and educational. Performance of all students improved on a multiple-choice exam question, and those students with moderate to high base-level knowledge also performed better on short-answer questions.


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