Comparison of Students' Performance in Multiple‐Choice vs. Short Answer Question Formats in Anatomy Spotter Exams

Abstract

IntroductionAnatomy spotter exam in the Anatomy Department at Sultan Qaboos University comprised identification of macroscopic and microscopic structures and questions related to their blood supply, innervation, normal and abnormal X‐rays, MRI and CT scan images, and embryological origins and abnormalities. We used the multiple choice format (MCF) and the short answer format (SAF) to assess the medical students. The students' performance in different courses across the test type were not assessedAimIn this study, medical students' performance in two formats of anatomy spotter exams were compared; the multiple choice format (MCF) and the short answer format (SAF).ResultsResults of spotter exams from three courses were used in this study, the cardiovascular system (CVS) and the respiratory system (RS), third year students, and the head and neck (H&N) fourth year students. For each system, a comparison of students' performance in SAF vs. MCF was made. The main factors in this comparison were the question type and the subject material of the course assessed.Our results indicate that in all courses assessed students' performance in MCF was either similar or slightly better than in the SAF. Students performed best in the CVS course and worst in the RS course regardless of the spotter type used. In addition, the MCF required less time to carryout.Discussion and ConclusionOn the other hand, student's performance in the SAF may have partially depended more on his ability to recall factual knowledge such as anatomical terminologies, structures' names and their correct spelling. We conclude that the spotter exams with the MCF are at least as effective as the SAF and may equally depend on Student's problem solving skills, and his ability to synthesize, communicate knowledge and make rational decisions.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.