Validation and perception of a key feature problem examination in neurology

Abstract: Objective
To validate a newly-developed Key Feature Problem Examination (KFPE) in neurology, and to examine how it is perceived by students.

Methods
We have developed a formative KFPE containing 12 key feature problems and 44 key feature items. The key feature problems covered four typical clinical situations. The items were presented in short- and long-menu question formats. Third- and fourth-year medical students undergoing the Neurology Course at our department participated in this study. The students' perception of the KFPE was assessed via a questionnaire. Students also had to pass a summative multiple-choice question examination (MCQE) containing 39 Type-A questions. All key feature and multiple-choice questions were classified using a modified Bloom’s taxonomy.

Results
The results from 81 KFPE participants were analyzed. The average score was 6.7/12 points. Cronbach’s alpha for the 12 key-feature problems was 0.53. Item difficulty level scores were between 0.39 and 0.77, and item-total correlations between 0.05 and 0.36. Thirty-two key feature items of the KFPE were categorized as testers of comprehension, application and problem-solving, and 12 questions as testers of knowledge (MCQE: 15 comprehension and 24 knowledge, respectively). Overall correlations between the KFPE and the MCQE were intermediate. The KFPE was perceived well by the students.

Conclusions
Adherence to previously-established principles enables the creation of a valid KFPE in the field of Neurology

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• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: PLOS ONE. - 14, 10 (2019) , e0224131, ISSN: 1932-6203

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2020
• Creator: Grumer, Meike ; Brüstle, Peter ; Lambeck, Johann ; Biller, Silke ; Brich, Jochen

Further information

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224131
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1515997
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.