Problems in Preparing Multiple Choice Questions for Computer-based Testing Used in the Nationwide Common Examination before Clinical Clerkships

• Published in: Igaku Kyoiku / Medical Education (Japan) Vol. 34; no. 5; pp. 335 - 341
• Main Authors: ISHIDA, Tatsuki, FUKUSHIMA, Osamu, SATO, Tatsuo, GOTOH, Eiji, NITTA, Yoshio, SAITO, Nobuhiko, NARA, Nobuo, FUKUDA, Yasuichiro, TAKAKU, Fumimaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society for Medical Education 25.10.2003
• Subjects: common achievement test; computer-based testing; model core curriculum
• ISSN: 0386-9644; 2185-0453
• DOI: 10.11307/mededjapan1970.34.335

In 2002, Japanese medical students began computer-based testing (CBT) to assess their basic and clinical medical knowledge, based on the model core-curriculum, before starting clinical clerkships. Of 9, 919 multiple choice questions submitted by 80 medical schools, 2, 791 were used for CBT and 7, 128 were rejected. To improve the quality of future CBT, we analyzed why questions were rejected. The most commons reasons were difficulty, length, and inappropriate choice of answers. A training course may be needed to improve the ability of medical school staff to devise questions.