In-training examinations for residents in obstetrics and gynecology, 1975 to 1978

In the four years from 1975 to 1978, 12,712 in-training examinations were administered to residents by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Whereas the first four tests (1970 to 1974) consisted entirely of multiple choice items (MCQs), these examinations were approximately equally divided between MCQs and patient management problems (PMPs). Discrimination, difficulty, and reliability indices for the total examination have remained relatively constant. The MCQ subtest scores have decreased in validity due mainly to the decrease in the number of items necessary to accommodate the PMPs. However, the overall test performance remains satisfactory to meet its educational objective. Accomplishment of this objective was enhanced by the unique "key word feedback" instituted in 1975. The tests have continued to show a progressive score increase from the first to the fourth years of training. These and other data are presented by year, and the future directions for the examination are discussed.