Usage of Multiple-Choice Items in Summative Examinations: Questionnaire Survey Among German Undergraduate Dental Training Programmes.

Abstract

Background: Multiple-choice examinations are frequently employed among German dental schools. However, details regarding the used item types and applied scoring methods are lacking.

Objective: We aimed to gain an insight into the current usage of multiple-choice items (ie, questions) in summative examinations in German undergraduate dental training programmes.

Methods: A paper-based 10-item questionnaire regarding the employed assessment methods, multiple-choice item types, and applied scoring methods was designed. The pilot-tested questionnaire was mailed to the Deans of Studies and to the Heads of Department of Operative/Restorative Dentistry at all 30 dental schools in Germany in February 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test (P<.05).

Results: The response rate amounted to 90.0% (27/30 dental schools). All respondent dental schools employed multiple-choice examinations for summative assessments. Examinations were delivered electronically by 70.4% (19/27) of the dental schools. Almost all dental schools used single-choice Type A items (88.9%) which accounted for the largest number of items in about half of the dental schools. Further item types (eg, conventional multiple-select items, Multiple-True-False, Pick-N) were only used by fewer dental schools (≤66.7%, up to 18 out of 27 dental schools). For the multiple-select item types, the applied scoring methods varied considerably (ie, awarding [intermediate] partial credit, requirements for partial credit). Dental schools with the possibility of electronic examinations used multiple-select items slightly more often (73.7%, 14/19 vs. 50.0%, 4/8). However, this difference was statistically not significant (P=.375). Dental schools used items either individually or as key feature problems consisting of a clinical case scenario followed by a number of items focusing on critical treatment steps (55.6%, 15/27). Not a single school employed alternative testing methods (eg, answer-until-correct). A formal item review process was established at about half of the dental schools (55.6%, 15/27).

Conclusions: Summative assessment methods among German dental schools vary widely. Especially, a large variability regarding the use and scoring of multiple-select multiple-choice items was found.

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