title: [Can Psychometric Tests Predict Success in the Selection Interview for Medical School? A Cross-Sectional Study at One German Medical School].
abstract: BackgroundThe final exam grade is the main selection criterion for medical school application in Germany. For academic success, it seems to be a reliable predictor. Its use as the only selection criterion is, however, criticised. At some universities, personal interviews are part of the selection process. However, these are very time consuming and are of doubtful validity. The (additional) use of appropriate psychometric instruments could reduce the cost and increase the validity. This study investigates the extent to which psychometric instruments can predict the outcome of a personal selection interview.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study on the correlation of the results of psychometric instruments with those of the personal selection interview as part of the application process. As the outcome, the score of the selection interview was used. The NEO - Five Factor Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the questionnaire to identify work-related behaviour and experience patterns (AVEM) were used as psychometric interviews.ResultsThere was a statistically significant correlation with the results of the personal selection interview for the sum score of the depression scale from the HADS and the sum score for the dimension of life satisfaction of the AVEM. In addition, those participants who did not previously complete an application training achieved a better result in the selection interview.ConclusionThe instruments used measure different aspects than the interviews and cannot replace them. It remains to be seen whether the selected parameters are able to predict academic success.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Sozialmedizin und Epidemiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kötter
authors.affiliation: Institut für Sozialmedizin und Epidemiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck.
authors.forename: K U
authors.initials: KU
authors.lastname: Obst
authors.affiliation: Sektion Medizin, Bereich Studium und Lehre, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brüheim
authors.affiliation: Institut für Sozialmedizin und Epidemiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eisemann
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Theologische Hochschule Friedensau, Möckern-Friedensau.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Voltmer
authors.affiliation: Institut für Sozialmedizin und Epidemiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katalinic
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D012577:Schools, Medical