Experiences of Medical Students About Computer-based Testing: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: In the modern era, the use of new technology is rapidly expanding, and the area of measurement and assessment in medical sciences has also been affected. Considering the increasing use of computer-based testing (CBT), and the viewpoint and experiences of students are paramount in this regard. Objectives: The present study aimed to describe the experiences of medical students regarding CBT. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted using conventional content analysis during 2018 - 2019. The participants included 10 pre-internship medical students who were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and data analysis was performed in MAXQDA 10. Results: Data analysis eventually led to the emergence of two themes, which were examinee-related components that consisted of two categories (experimental and preferred aspects) and test related components that consisted of three categories (technical, financial, and executive aspects). In addition, each category had subcategories. Conclusions: The participants stated their experiences with CBT from different perspectives. Accordingly, CBT could be a proper alternative to paper-based testing if the weaknesses were resolved. Therefore, it is suggested that other CBTs be evaluated similar to the present study to investigate the views of the stakeholders involved in the assessment system.