Student test type preference and its relation to personality and achievement

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Student preferences for examination formats can influence performance and anxiety levels.
• Understanding these preferences is crucial for designing effective educational assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the test type preferences of medical students.
• To identify factors influencing these preferences and their relationship with performance.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 227 medical students to assess test type preferences.
• Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to examine relationships between preference, performance, and personality traits.

Main Results:

• A majority of students favored multiple-choice questions (MCQ) over other formats, citing lower perceived advance anxiety.
• Significant correlations were found between test preference and performance.
• Personality traits (stability/neuroticism, extraversion/introversion), general mental ability, and native language significantly influenced test preferences, with stable students preferring MCQs and anxious students preferring other types.

Conclusions:

• A mixed examination format is recommended, aligning with theoretical benefits and student preferences.
• Student psychological factors play a significant role in assessment format choice.