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Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association 7:469-474 (2000)
© 2000 American Medical Informatics Association

Research Paper

Variables That May Enhance Medical Students' Perceived Preparedness for Computer-based Testing

Deirdre C. Lynch, RhD, Theodore W. Whitley, PhD, David A. Emmerling, EdD and Jack E. Brinn, PhD

Affiliation of the authors: East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina.

Correspondence and reprints: Deirdre C. Lynch, RhD, 493 Sheridan, Apt. 2E, Evanston, IL 60202; e-mail: <dlynch{at}medscape.com>.

Abstract Objective: To identify variables that may enhance medical student's preparedness for computer-based administration of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Design: A cross-sectional survey of 301 medical students who completed a self-administered questionnaire.

Measurements: The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about students' computer resources, personal experience with computers, computer expertise, opinions about computers, experience with computer-based testing, perceived preparedness for the computer-based USMLE, and demographic variables. Variables related to students' perceived preparedness for the computer-based USMLE were identified by ordinal logistic regression.

Results: A significant regression model yielded four significant predictors: perceived preparedness for USMLE content (P < 0.0001), opinions about computers (P < 0.0012), gender (P < 0.0001), and a gender by computer-based testing experience interaction (P < 0.0004). Computer resources, personal experience with computers, computer expertise, age, race, and year of medical school were not significant predictors.

Conclusion: Students' perceived preparedness for computer-based administration of high-stakes examinations may be facilitated by preparing them for examination content, by enhancing their opinions about computers, and by increasing their computer-based testing experiences.






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Copyright © 2000 by the American Medical Informatics Association.