Reframing Lower‐Level Bloom’s Taxonomy Exam Questions in Applied Anatomy Alters Statistical Outcomes for Item Performance: A Pilot Study

Abstract

BackgroundBloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical model designed to categorize course learning objectives based on the complexity of learning associated with the task. Little is known about performance and abilities of entry‐level allied health students related to Bloom’s Taxonomy within anatomy education.ObjectiveThe objective of this assessment was to use exam reviews from 2018’s PAS 501 Applied Anatomy course to re‐create exam items at higher levels of Bloom’s learning. Cohort performance at the “Remembering” level of Bloom’s was compared to 2019 reconstructed questions to determine if graduate‐level PA students are most capable of memorizing anatomy or interpreting more detailed applications.MethodsFour “Remembering” questions were selected from the 2018 PAS 501 Abdomen written exam. The regional concepts in these questions were reframed in clinical scenarios and questions where regional anatomy needed to be applied at higher levels of thinking. Statistics of cohort performance in the form of the DI, PBC and the DisI were used to compare the lower‐ and higher‐level Bloom’s questionsResultsTwo questions reframed as clinical scenarios and demonstrated decreases in the DI and an increase in the PBC. Two questions were initially written as basic definition questions and reconstructed to represent a discussion of regional anatomy that required the student to understand and reinterpret the information. One of these questions displayed an increase in the DI and the PBC.ConclusionsHigher level Bloom’s questions framed as clinical scenarios (N=2) displayed noted increases in the PBC implying these questions are quality discriminators for students who do well overall and those who do not. Reframing “Remembering,” definition questions to “Understanding” level questions may increase item success for clinically‐minded graduate‐level students. Additional work is required to draw meaningful conclusions from this pilot data.Support or Funding InformationN/A