Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: MCQ’s are often preferred due to ease of application and analysis, high content validity, and objectivity. But, skill required for preparing of multiple choice questions (MCQ). In this study we determined the difficulty and discrimination indices as well as classify based on Modify Bloom’s Taxonomy (BT), by analyzing the multiple choice questions present in the examinations held at Ataturk University Medical Faculty. In addition, we classified the MCQ difficulty and discimination indices between those received training course and not. Methods: Randomly chosen from ten different committee exams and final exams of 945 questions analyzed. Levels were determined according to the Bloom Taxonomy and were performed difficulty of the questions and discrimination indexes. Data were expressed as the number, percentages, mean and standard deviation (SD). Continuous data normality determined by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Data Analyzed using chi-Square and t, oneway analysis of variance test. Post Hoc pairwise comparisons were performed using LSD multiple comparisons. Results: The good quality questions were 44.1% (n= 416). Discrimination index of questions given to Associate professors were higher and easier than compare to Assistant professors and Professors. We assessed difficulty and discrimination index according to the BT level. Greater number of questions were in level of recall and comprehension. Apparently there was no difference in average index of difficulty level in statistically the discrimination index of questions found statistically higher in comprehension and evaluation levels (p=0,021). The difficulty level were found lower in who have received of training course when compared to the group who have not received course. Meanwhile there was no difference questions of discrimination index in these groups. Conclusions: Quality of questions can be improved by informing faculty members of the post-exam analysis of exam questions. It is therefore imperative that instructors be educated on preparing exam questions.

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