Assessment of spatial anatomical knowledge with a 'three-dimensional multiple choice test' (3D-MC).
BACKGROUND
Text only multiple choice questions (MCQs) are often inadequate to assess anatomical and histological knowledge and may encourage students to memorize abstract textbook knowledge. An alternative are the "spotters" or "tag tests" well-known in North American and British anatomy. However, the psychometric properties of this assessment have only been reported in one study for a format using short answer questions.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the implementation and feasibility of a multiple choice "tag test" (3D-MC) using prosected specimens, histological slides, models and radiographs; to report the psychometric properties and students' acceptance of the 3D-MC; to compare it with a traditional multiple choice format.


RESULTS
The administration of the 3D-MC did not pose any major problems. The 3D-MC was significantly easier (mean scores 75% vs. 64%) than traditional MCQs. The estimated correlation (corrected for attenuation) between the two MCQ formats was r = 0.814. Reliability for the 3D-MC was. 665 for 30 items. Student acceptance was very high.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3D-MC is a feasible, reliable and well-accepted test of anatomical knowledge. Further research should investigate if the higher cost as compared to MCQs using photographs is justified by the assessment of different knowledge and abilities as compared to MCQs using photographs.
Schubert
Sebastian
S
Assessment Division and Reformed Medical Curriculum, Working Group, Deanery of Student Affairs, Charité Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. sebastian.schubert@charite.de
Schnabel
Kai P
KP
Winkelmann
Andreas
A
D000328:Adult; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011601:Psychophysics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013028:Space Perception; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult