Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of the present research is to study the questions used in the 2018 MIR exam (a test that allows access to specialized medical training in Spain), describe their psychometric properties, and evaluate their quality. Materials and Methods: This analysis is performed with the help of classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). The answers given to the test questions by a total of 3868 physicians are analyzed. Results: According to CTT, the average difficulty index for all of the test questions was 0.629, which falls into the acceptable category. The average difficulty index with correction for random effects was 0.515, which corresponds to a value within the optimal range. The mean discrimination index was 0.277, which is in the good category, while the mean point biserial correlation coefficient, with a value of 0.275 fits in the regular category. The values of difficulty and discrimination calculated according to the model of two parameters of the IRT seem adequate with average values of −0.389 and 0.677. The Cronbach alpha score obtained for the overall test was 0.944. This value is considered as very good. Conclusions: A decrease was observed in the average values of discrimination in the last three calls, which may be related to the greater proportion of Spanish graduates that take the exam in the same year of finalization of their studies in Medicine.
Highlights
In Spain, in order to practice as a medical professional, in addition to having a degree in Medicine, it is necessary to have a specialist degree
The answers given to the different test question were provided by a total of 3868 participants, who voluntarily entered them into an ad hoc web application developed by the company Cursos Intensivos
Note that the most recent work on the psychometry of the MIR questions published by the Ministry dates back to 1993
Summary
In Spain, in order to practice as a medical professional, in addition to having a degree in Medicine, it is necessary to have a specialist degree. All of the Medicine faculties in Spain use study plans that are based on directive RD1417/1990. This directive details the subjects to be studied and the number of hours required for each of these. The aim of the present research is to study the questions used in the 2018 MIR exam (a test that allows access to specialized medical training in Spain), describe their psychometric properties, and evaluate their quality. Results: According to CTT, the average difficulty index for all of the test questions was 0.629, which falls into the acceptable category. The Cronbach alpha score obtained for the overall test was 0.944. This value is considered as very good.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
