Variables That May Enhance Medical Students' Perceived Preparedness for Computer-based Testing

Abstract

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. Originally published Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, Vol. 7, No. 5, Sep-Oct 2000