Analysis of MRCP(UK) Examination Pass Rates by Ethnicity and Gender
Author Information
Author(s): Dewhurst Neil G, McManus Chris, Mollon Jennifer, Dacre Jane E, Vale Allister J
Primary Institution: MRCP(UK) Central Office, University College London
Hypothesis
Does ethnicity and gender affect pass rates in the MRCP(UK) Examination for UK medical graduates?
Conclusion
White candidates achieved the highest pass rates across all parts of the MRCP(UK) Examination, while non-white male trainees performed particularly poorly.
Supporting Evidence
- White candidates performed better than other ethnic groups in all parts of the examination.
- Women performed better than men in the Part 2 Clinical Examination (PACES).
- Non-white men performed more poorly than expected compared to white men or non-white women.
- Significant interaction between candidate and examiner ethnicity was found for communication skills performance.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different groups of medical students did on a big test, finding that white students did better than others, especially in communication skills.
Methodology
Pass rates were analyzed based on self-declared ethnicity and gender using statistical methods including Chi-squared tests and logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Potential examiner bias was noted, particularly in communication skills assessments when non-white examiners evaluated non-white candidates.
Limitations
The study did not collect data on place of birth or first language, which could influence outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Participants included UK medical graduates, with 84-90% declaring their ethnicity and all declaring their gender.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 48.6–52.0%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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