Exploring Student Thinking in Histology MCQs
Author Information
Author(s): Holland Jane, McGarvey Alice, Flood Michelle, Joyce Pauline, Pawlikowska Teresa
Primary Institution: RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Hypothesis
How do images influence medical students’ reasoning in histology multiple-choice questions?
Conclusion
High-performing students were more likely to self-generate answers, while images did not consistently affect item statistics.
Supporting Evidence
- High-performing students were more likely to self-generate answers compared to lower-performing students.
- Images had no consistent influence on item statistics.
- Students' verbalizations about images depended on whether the image was necessary for answering the question.
Takeaway
This study looked at how medical students think when answering questions about histology, especially when images are involved. It found that students who do well tend to come up with answers on their own, and adding pictures to questions doesn't always help.
Methodology
Students were randomized into two groups and asked to think aloud while answering multiple-choice questions, which were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.
Potential Biases
The study may not generalize beyond the specific institution and volunteer sample.
Limitations
The small sample size limits the statistical power of the findings, and the participants were self-selected volunteers.
Participant Demographics
Participants included first-year medical students from diverse backgrounds, with varying language proficiencies.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.45
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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