Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026
A Cross-Disciplinary and Multi-Modal Experimental Design for Studying Near-Real-Time Authentic Examination Experiences
Published on: September 4, 2019
Variables that may enhance medical students' perceived preparedness for computer-based testing
D C Lynch1, T W Whitley, D A Emmerling
1East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. dlynch@med-scape.com
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.
