ERIC Number: EJ924325
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Jun
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1382-4996
EISSN: N/A
Psychometric Structure of a Comprehensive Objective Structured Clinical Examination: A Factor Analytic Approach
Volkan, Kevin; Simon, Steven R.; Baker, Harley; Todres, I. David
Advances in Health Sciences Education, v9 n2 p83-92 Jun 2004
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.
Descriptors: Medical Students, Physical Examinations, Factor Structure, Factor Analysis, Psychometrics, Information Dissemination, Medical Education, Medical Schools, Physician Patient Relationship, Medical Care Evaluation, Clinical Teaching (Health Professions), Clinical Experience, Program Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A