Evaluation of different MCQ-scoring-system in a medical school.
The MCQ scores of final medical students in surgery for the years 1990 and 1991 were analysed. The score for a correct answer was plus 1 mark in both years. The penalty for incorrect answer for the year 1990 was minus-1 mark as had been practiced during the previous 15 years. The penalty for the year 1991 was minus 1/4 for an incorrect answer. This low penalty of minus 1/4 resulted in an inflated MCQ score as compared with the essay questions and both clinical and oral examination results. The low score recorded during the year 1990 is a genuine reflection of inadequate performance rather than bad evaluation since the MCQ bank is the same and the panel of examiners has not changed. It is concluded that minus 1 mark penalty has many advantages and therefore should be the practice.
Sinnar Hospital, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
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Ahmed
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Michail
D001290:Attitude; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires