Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Multiple‑choice questions in assessment: Perceptions of medical students from low‑resource setting

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Venkata Avinash Kumar Vegi
. P. V. Sudhakar 1
. Devi Madhavi Bhimarasetty 2
. Kiran Pamarthi 2
. Lokesh Edara 3
. L. V. Simhachalam Kutikuppala 4
. Tarun Kumar Suvvari 5
. Shubham Anand 6

1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Principal, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

2 Department of Community Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

3 Department of Medicine, Western Michigan School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

4 Department of General Medicine, Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India

5 Department of General Medicine, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India

6 Department of General Medicine, GS Medical College, Pilkhuwa, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract
BACKGROUND: In curriculum reforms under Competency‑Based Medical Education (CBME) 
introduced by the National Medical Commission, medical students are recognized as one of the 
stake holders. The well‑designed multiple‑choice questions (MCQs) help students in assessment 
as well as promote deep learning. The objective of this study is to assess the perceptions of the 
Indian medical students towards the examination patterns in their undergraduate curriculum with 
particular reference to MCQs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross‑sectional study was conducted among the 
medical colleges in India. A total of 7875 students took part in the study. The study instrument was 
a validated pretested self‑administered questionnaire. The study was conducted as an online survey 
using the Google Forms platform. Inclusion criteria were students from all professional years as well 
as interns and those who were willing to participate in the study.
RESULTS: For the question of initiation of MCQs as a tool for the assessment, many of the 
students (46%) expressed that it should start from the 1st MBBS itself. The majority of the 
students (85%) felt that MCQ oriented preparation will be helpful for MBBS professional (theory and 
practical) examinations. Most of the students (90.9%) preferred that the MCQs should be concept 
and case scenario based. To the question of whether the current system of the university theory 
examinations of essays and short notes be replaced in total with MCQs so that they are more prepared 
for NEXT and USMLE examination, 65.5% responded with an answer of yes.
CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide input to the regulatory authorities and other 
stakeholders responsible for designing and implementing the medical curriculum.

Keywords

Assessment
India
medical students
multiple‑choice questions
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 3
March 2022
Pages 1-6

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