MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS OR ESSAY QUESTIONS: PREFERENCES OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

Ujwala U Ukey; Sarita K Sharma; Pragati G Rathod

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS OR ESSAY QUESTIONS: PREFERENCES OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

Ujwala U Ukey, Sarita K Sharma, Pragati G Rathod

Abstract :

Introduction: Using the preferences and opinions of students in the evaluation of undergraduate medical programmes for improving the standard of medical education has been documented. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) are an important component in the process of evaluation in the entrance exams. MCQ‘s have also been introduced regularly as a part of final evaluation in some of the medical universities. However the assessment method commonly employed still continues to be essay questions. Objective: To study the preferences for MCQ‘s versus essay questions in assessment among medical students. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the students of final year part 1 MBBS (n=120). A preformed close ended structured questionnaire was used to obtain the preferences of the respondents regarding MCQ‘s or essay questions and reasons for the same. Results: MCQ format was the preferred type of question (65%) over the essay questions. The reasons given for this were that in the MCQ exam at least there is a chance of getting the correct answer (86%), done quickly(62%). The reasons for preferring essay questions were that essay encourages wider reading and critical thinking (56%), give time to really think critically (48%). Conclusions: Students preferences should be taken in consideration.