Review of multiple-choice-questions and group performance - A comparison of face-to-face and virtual groups with and without facilitation

BACKGROUND Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are often used in exams of medical education and need careful quality management for example by the application of review committees. This study investigates whether groups communicating virtually by email are similar to face-to-face groups concerning their review process performance and whether a facilitator has positive effects. METHODS 16 small groups of students were examined, which had to evaluate and correct MCQs under four different conditions. In the second part of the investigation the changed questions were given to a new random sample for the judgement of the item quality. RESULTS There was no significant influence of the variables "form of review committee" and "facilitation". However, face-to-face and virtual groups clearly differed in the required treatment times. The test condition "face to face without facilitation" was generally valued most positively concerning taking over responsibility, approach to work, sense of well-being, motivation and concentration on the task. DISCUSSION Face-to-face and virtual groups are equally effective in the review of MCQs but differ concerning their efficiency. The application of electronic review seems to be possible but is hardly recommendable because of the long process time and technical problems.