Students' reactions to three typical examinations in health sciences.
OBJECTIVE
A search for universal and particular changes in emotional, behavioral and cognitive assessments in relation to three types of examinations: an oral presentation, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a pencil and paper examination.


METHODS
One hundred and two students of health professions completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before (t1) and after (t2) each type of examination. Data regarding stress-related symptoms, attitudes, and preparation behavior were collected at (t2).


RESULTS
POMS six subscales scores at (t1) did not differ by examination type and five of them were statistically significant higher at (t1) than (t2) regardless of examination type. "Preparing behavior" also emerged as a universal feature. As for the particular aspects of each examination, OSCE students felt more depression-dejection and fatigue at (t2) than at (t1). Oral presentation was perceived as the most difficult by students, who also reported more symptoms. For this type of examination, the students regained their confidence towards the end of the presentation and perceived classmates as most supportive and least disturbing. The pencil and paper examination was evaluated as the easiest by students, produced fewest symptoms and no excitement during the examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Three types of examinations, frequently used in health sciences, appeared to initiate different physical, emotional, and social reactions.
Sarid
Orly
O
Matilda & Leon Recanati School for Health Professions Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of The Negev, POB 65384105, Beer-Sheva, Israel. orlysa@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Anson
Ofra
O
Bentov
Yaakov
Y
D000328:Adult; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires