Student test type preference and its relation to personality and achievement.
1. Test type preference of 227 medical students was investigated by means of a questionnaire. 2. A majority of students believed that MCQ examinations gave rise to less advance anxiety than other forms of examination. 3. There was a highly significant correlation between preference and performance, probably as a result of reciprocal reinforcement between them. 4. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed than the scales stability/neuroticism, extraversion/introversion, general mental ability and native language had a significant influence on test preference. There was a significant trend for confident, stable students to demonstrate preference for MCQ while tense, anxious students tended to prefer other test types. 5. We conclude that a mixed examination format is desirable not only on theoretical grounds, but was also preferred by these students.
D000124:Achievement; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004521:Educational Measurement; D010551:Personality; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires