Document Detail


Web-based application to eliminate five contraindicated multiple-choice question practices.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20483716     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) evaluate factual knowledge in medical education and have a high reliability, if performed appropriately. However, many MCQs contain formal errors leading to reduced validity. The authors developed a Web application capable of recognizing and eliminating five frequent contraindicated practices in MCQs: negative stem, unfocused stem, cueing words, longest item = right item flaw, and stem/item similarities. The authors used simple string algorithms and dynamic comparisons with keywords. The system was successfully validated with a sample of approximately 800 continuous medical education (CME) questions, showing that our system automatically detects 60% of all formal didactic errors. Flaws not detected by the software can easily be avoided using quick manuals on item wording or clear instruction to the authors. The authors conclude that it is feasible to improve the quality of MCQs by designing a Web application that is capable of detecting common flaws by simple string operations.
Authors:
Andreas Brunnquell; Umüt Degirmenci; Sebastian Kreil; Johannes Kornhuber; Markus Weih
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2010-05-10
Journal Detail:
Title:  Evaluation & the health professions     Volume:  34     ISSN:  1552-3918     ISO Abbreviation:  Eval Health Prof     Publication Date:  2011 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-05-11     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7805992     Medline TA:  Eval Health Prof     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  226-38     Citation Subset:  H; T    
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Erlangen, GERMANY.
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