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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
Psychometric structure of a comprehensive objective structured clinical examination: a factor analytic approach
Kevin Volkan1, Steven R Simon, Harley Baker
1Program in Psychology, Rm 206, Prof. Building California State University Channel Islands Camarillo, CA 93012, USA. kevin.volkan@csuci.edu
Problem Statement And Background:
While the psychometric properties of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) have been studied, their latent structures have not been well characterized. This study examines a factor analytic model of a comprehensive OSCE and addresses implications for measurement of clinical performance.
Methods:
An exploratory maximum likelihood factor analysis with a Promax rotation was used to derive latent structures for the OSCE.
Results:
A model with two correlated factors fit the data well. The first factor was related to Physical Examination and History-Taking was labeled as information gathering, while the second factor was related to Differential Diagnosis/Clinical Reasoning, and Patient Interaction and was labeled as reasoning and information dissemination. Case Management did not contribute to either factor. The factors accounted for a total 61.6% of the variance in the skills variables.
Conclusions:
Recognizing the psychometric components of OSCEs may support and enhance the use of OSCEs for measuring clinical competency of medical students.
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