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Setting a standard on the pilot National Board Dental Examination
1Department of Testing Services, American Dental Association, Chicago, IL 60611-2678.
Journal of Dental Education
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Setting a minimum passing score for the National Board Dental Examination using criterion-referenced methods, based on the Rasch model, yielded similar results to norm-referenced approaches, suggesting its appropriateness.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Psychometrics
- Assessment
Background:
- The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part II underwent restructuring.
- Establishing a minimum passing score is critical for licensure.
- Both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced standard-setting methods were considered.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the appropriateness of a criterion-referenced standard-setting approach for the NBDE Part II.
- To compare the results of criterion-referenced and norm-referenced standard-setting methods.
- To assess the utility of the Rasch measurement model in dental board examinations.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study was conducted on the restructured NBDE Part II.
- Norm-referenced standard-setting was applied.
- A criterion-referenced approach, utilizing the Rasch measurement model, was implemented.
Main Results:
- The standards set by both norm-referenced and criterion-referenced methods were comparable.
- Associated failure rates were similar across both approaches.
- The Rasch model provided a robust framework for criterion-referenced standard setting.
Conclusions:
- The criterion-referenced approach, particularly using the Rasch model, is suitable for setting standards on the NBDE Part II.
- The Rasch model offers advantages for standard setting in dental examinations.
- The findings support the use of this method for the restructured examination.
