Differences in multiple choice and short answer questions performance among medical and dental trainees as reflected in their anatomy course

Abstract

Lawan H. Adamu, Ashiru H. Yusuf, Magaji G. Taura

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare Medical and Dental students’ performance in multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short answer questions (SAQs) in the pre-clinical Anatomy examinations. The study also seeks to determine the interaction between the students’ examination final grade in Anatomy course with the exam formats (MCQs vs. SAQs) and level of study. Materials and Methods: The study is retrospective type in which the data were collected from examination records in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Science, Bayero University Kano. A total of 551 students’ records were used, this population comprised of second and third year Medical and Dental students for two academic sessions. Results: The mood’s median test showed differences in the median scores across different level of the study, program and academic session. It was observed that more students had scores greater than the median in the SAQs scores. In MCQs scores despite higher number of students with scores greater than median, more students had scores greater than median in SAQs components of the examination Final examination scores correlate higher with essay scores compared to its relationship with MCQs score in year 2. A statistically significant interaction among examination format and year of the study and grades was also observed. Conclusion: In conclusion, medical and dental students performance in MCQs and short answer essay questions depends on the student’s year of the study. It was suggested that the examination format and students’ year of study may influence the final examination grade in Anatomy course.