The Effect of Two Assessment Methods on Exam Preparation and Study Strategies: Multiple Choice and Essay Questions

Introduction: Utilizing appropriate approaches to study and learning can improve students’ academic performance. Recent studies have shown that students’ learning approaches are influenced by several factors including the type of assessment. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of multiple-choice tests (MCQ) and essay tests on the nursing students’ learning approaches. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 124 students from the School of Nursing & Midwifery of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in 2011-2012. Subjects were divided into two groups based on the type of exam questions, one group multiple choice questions group and the other essay questions group. In this study, two questionnaires of study approaches (32 items) and exam preparation strategies (28 questions) were used. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed. Both groups completed the questionnaires at the beginning and the end of the semester. Statistical analysis was performed by paired sample T test. Results: There was a significant difference between the deep approaches to study scores in students regarding essay type exams (3.70±0.37 vs.3.75±0.33, p=0.008). There was a statistically significant difference in the deep approaches to study in female students regarding essay type exams at the beginning and end of the semester (3.66±0.37 vs. 3.73±0.34 respectively, p=0.001) there was a statistically significant difference in the surface approaches to study in male students regarding MCQ exams at the beginning and end of the semester (3.34±0.46 vs. 3.63±0.60 respectively, p=0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the application of essay type tests method for students’ evaluation could lead to a preference for deep approaches to study. It is suggested that this method be used in evaluating students to provide the opportunity to encourage deep approaches to study.