Do Tests Formats Influence Students Learning Styles?

pp. 478-488

Abstract

Objective 
To compare the multiple choice questions for­mat (SM) and the Mini Clinical Examination Exercise format (EECR) considering their in­fluence on cardiology residents learning behaviour (EA). 

Population and methods 
Sixteen residents from a teaching hospital were assessed with two different formats, SM and EECR and later on they were interviewed. A qualitative analysis with a phenomenographic approach was used. 

Results 
The results showed no difference in fellow learning styles and their approach to learning when they were exposed to these different as­sessment formats. In both cases, students showed the same deep approach to learning and studying. 

Conclusion 
The major conclusion of the study is that we did not find any difference in the learning style and dedication or the learning process due to the style of evaluation, in this cohort of fellows, when they were exposed to those two assess­ment formats.