Variables that may enhance medical students' perceived preparedness for computer-based testing.
OBJECTIVE
To identify variables that may enhance medical student's preparedness for computer-based administration of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 301 medical students who completed a self-administered questionnaire.


METHODS
The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about students' computer resources, personal experience with computers, computer expertise, opinions about computers, experience with computer-based testing, perceived preparedness for the computer-based USMLE, and demographic variables. Variables related to students' perceived preparedness for the computer-based USMLE were identified by ordinal logistic regression.


RESULTS
A significant regression model yielded four significant predictors: perceived preparedness for USMLE content (P: < 0.0001), opinions about computers (P: < 0.0012), gender (P: < 0.0001), and a gender by computer-based testing experience interaction (P: < 0. 0004). Computer resources, personal experience with computers, computer expertise, age, race, and year of medical school were not significant predictors.


CONCLUSIONS
Students' perceived preparedness for computer-based administration of high-stakes examinations may be facilitated by preparing them for examination content, by enhancing their opinions about computers, and by increasing their computer-based testing experiences.
Lynch
D C
DC
East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. dlynch@med-scape.com
Whitley
T W
TW
Emmerling
D A
DA
Brinn
J E
JE
D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D044469:Racial Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States