Showing 1 - 2 of 2 Research Library Publications

Uncovering the Complexity of Item Position Effects in a Low-Stakes Testing Context

Posted: | Thai Q. Ong, Dena A. Pastor

Applied Psychological Measurement: Volume 46, issue 2, page(s) 571-588

 

This study evaluates the degree to which position effects on two separate low-stakes tests administered to two different samples were moderated by different item (item length, number of response options, mental taxation, and graphic) and examinee (effort, change in effort, and gender) variables. Items exhibited significant negative linear position effects on both tests, with the magnitude of the position effects varying from item to item.

Category:Assessment-Oriented Research, Reliability/Validity

Enhancement of Assessment of Physician-Patient Communication Skills in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Posted: | Ruth B. Hoppe, Ann M. King, Kathleen M. Mazor, Gail E. Furman, Penelope Wick-Garcia, Heather Corcoran–Ponisciak, Peter J. Katsufrakis

Academic Medicine: Volume 88 - Issue 11 - p 1670-1675

 

From 2007 through 2012, the NBME team reviewed literature in physician–patient communication, examined performance characteristics of the Step 2 CS exam, observed case development and quality assurance processes, interviewed SPs and their trainers, and reviewed video recordings of examinee–SP interactions.  The authors describe perspectives gained by their team from the review process and outline the resulting enhancements to the Step 2 CS exam, some of which were rolled out in June 2012.

Category:Product-Oriented Research, USMLE