Comparison of written-visual and microslide-screening test measures in cytotechnology.

A study was conducted to ascertain the relationships among different competence assessment methods for cytotechnologists. Of primary concern was the extent to which examinations using multiple choice questions, color plate photomicrographs and filmstrip formats measure abilities in common with or predict performance levels on a practical, job-sample-microslide examination format in gynecologic cytopathology. The majority of cytotechnologists who volunteered for these tests were trained in schools of cytotechnology approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) of the American Medical Association (AMA). School training, certification by the International Academy of Cytology (IAC) and by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and participation in current continuing education activities were all associated with relatively higher test scores. The filmstrips format was least consistent in reflecting these distinctions. Overall, participants' scores in each test correlated to varying degrees with their scores on all other tests. Combinations of certain formats appear to have limited potential as performance evaluation methods; some of their drawbacks are presented.

Reliability of the tonic vibratory reflex.

Reliability of the tonic vibratory reflex was examined in 30 able-bodied subjects over different time periods (5-minute, 24-hour, and 2-week intervals) and with different coupling pressures (20 mm Hg and 45 mm Hg). A high average correlation ( r = 0.85) was found for intraday test-retest situations. The average 24-hour and 2-week interval interday correlatins were r = 0.64 and r = 0.54, respectively. Various pressures of vibrator head attachments did not produce significantly different tonic vibratory reflex responses. All subjects showed a significant decrease in tonic vibratory reflex responses over the 2-week period (F = 9.71, DF 8,224). The conclusions were that a) intraday but not interday tonic vibratory reflex responses were adequate for diagnostic purposes, and b) that the reasons for the significant decrease of the tonic vibratory reflex response over time need further investigation.