48 - Comparing extended matching questions (EMQs) with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to evaluate the critical thinking abilities of final-year BDS orthodontic students

Abstract

Because of their high construct validity, reliability, and feasibility, multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are commonly employed in dentistry, particularly in orthodontics. Nevertheless, it appears that they are unable to critically evaluate many facets of orthodontic management. Adding more assessment methods can help foster critical thinking in orthodontics. The EMQ is a useful assessment tool with a comparatively high degree of feasibility and dependability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate orthodontic critical thinking abilities in BDS students by comparing MCQs and EMQs. Using Raosft software, the sample size for this comparative study was determined to be 45. A preset course covering the same theme and subtheme produced a set of 15 EMQs and 15 MCQs, which were validated by three subject matter experts using Cronbach alpha (α=.81). After MEQs and EMQs were validated, ten of each were administered to 45 final-year BDS students on the same day, with a 10-minute interval between each test. The findings indicated that MEQs evaluate orthodontic critical thinking statistically substantially better than MCQs (P-value 0.014). The conclusion is that many aspects of orthodontics can be assessed by incorporating EMQs into the current MCQs evaluation.