Would prior exposure to MCQs make a difference in scoring among medical students?

ABSTRACT

To look at the effect of prior exposure of multiple-choice questions on scoring among medical students. The study comprised of two groups of students rotating through nursery as a part of Paediatric clerkship. These groups are compared for their performance with and without prior exposure to multiple-choice questions [MCQs]. MCQs consist of fifteen items on topic from neonatal care. A total of sixteen male students participated in the study, with eight in each group. Group 1 was given the MCQs on day one and the same questions were given to them on the last day of rotation [two weeks gap period]. Group 2 had the same MCQs only on the last day of rotation [no prior exposure]. The mean score in percentage for group 1 was found to be 83 while for group 2 was 79. No statistical difference was observed between the two [p= 0.45]. Questions 2,3,4,10 had 100% correct response from both the groups while questions 7 and 14 had poor response. Conclusions: We conclude that prior exposure of MCQ does not increment the scoring. Based on our findings we further reiterate that the method of using 'MCQ pool' or 'Question bank' is an effective method and will not bias the results: