Comparing Long-Menu and Open-Ended Questions in Medical Assessments
Author Information
Author(s): Rotthoff Thomas, Baehring Thomas, Dicken Hans-Dieter, Fahron Urte, Richter Bernd, Fischer Martin R, Scherbaum Werner A
Primary Institution: University Hospital, Duesseldorf, Germany
Hypothesis
Can long-menu questions (LMQs) be compared with open-ended questions (OEQs) in terms of difficulty, performance, and response times?
Conclusion
LMQs and OEQs do not differ significantly in terms of performance or response time.
Supporting Evidence
- The average number of correct answers for LMQs and OEQs showed no significant difference.
- Response time for LMQs did not significantly differ from that of OEQs.
- LMQs can decrease cueing effects and simplify scoring in computerized assessments.
Takeaway
This study looked at two types of questions for medical tests and found that they work about the same, even though one takes a bit longer to answer.
Methodology
The study randomized 146 medical students into two groups to answer questions in either long-menu or open-ended formats.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small number of LMQs and the specific focus on endocrinology and haematology.
Participant Demographics
Out of 146 students, 66 were male and 76 were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.93
Statistical Significance
p = 0.93
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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