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R Bandaranayake

Publications and source records attributed to R Bandaranayake.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Using multiple response true-false multiple choice questions.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Board of Examiners, having agreed to replace Type K with Type X multiple choice questions (MCQ), undertook a study to determine the most appropriate method of scoring the latter. Retrospective scoring of candidates' responses in a previous examination, using six reported scoring techniques for Type X items, showed that the Middlesex technique yielded a mean score closest to the mean score of the Type K items which were being replaced. However, as candidates' responses are affected by instructions, and the latter could not be controlled, a prospective study was carried out on three examinations, in each of which the nature of Part C varied among the three papers, while Parts A and B were similar. Paper 1 contained Type K items in Part C, Paper 2 contained Type X items with instructions appropriate for the Middlesex technique, and Paper 3 contained Type X items scored +1 if correct, -1 if incorrect and 0 if omitted. Items sampling the same content areas were randomly distributed among the three papers. The results indicated that the two Type X systems yielded significantly lower mean scores than Type K, probably due to combinations characteristic of the latter, enabling candidates with partial knowledge to obtain a maximum score. The difference in mean scores between the two Type X systems was not significant. A significantly higher mean percentage score in reused Type X (Middlesex system) items over that of the same items when they were previously used as Type K items was attributed to the combined effects of credit for partial knowledge, practice on reused items and differences in mean candidate ability across years. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients between pairs of Part C mean percentage scores at each examination were positive and significant. The Board decided to replace Type K with Type X items, and the +1, 0, -1 system of scoring was adopted as it was considered more efficient than the Middlesex system, which did not give credit for identifying false statements as false.

Australia↗
PubMed1993

Experiences with a method for obtaining feedback on a medical curriculum undergoing change.

Successful innovation and change in the way medical students are prepared are notoriously difficult. The relationship between the administrative structures of the medical school and its teaching hospitals, other responsibilities of its teachers and administrators, and the intricacies of the curriculum as a system of interrelated components, mean that any real change has wide repercussions. An opportunity for evaluation of a curriculum undergoing change was presented at the University of New South Wales, when the Faculty of Medicine introduced a new 6-year medical curriculum in 1988. The change was made to address a number of problems experienced with the old 5-year curriculum. The Course Evaluation Committee was in a unique position to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the new curriculum, year by year, as it was being introduced. A method for obtaining feedback from both staff and students on a medical curriculum undergoing change, is described. While some sample results are presented, the paper concentrates on the advantages and disadvantages of, and our experiences with, this method. Advantages include the specificity and timing of the information collected, and the high response rate. One disadvantage was the repeated use of the same cohort of students. Some staff still perceived the evaluation process as a threat, or were sceptical about the value and validity of student feedback. Whether staff acknowledged ownership of the new curriculum also affected the use of feedback.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1984

Differences in rate of uptake of immunisation among ethnic groups.

In the Bradford health district ethnic origin is associated with appreciable differences in morbidity and mortality. In view of these differences a study was undertaken to determine whether there were differences among the ethnic groups in utilisation of the National Health Service, as reflected in the rate of uptake of immunisation, which is offered to all children. Significant differences were found between the British group and some other ethnic groups--notably Pakistani, Indian, and half Negro groups. The rate of uptake of immunisation was nearer the optimum in the Indian group than in the British group. The most unsatisfactory rate of uptake of immunisation overall was found in the half Negro group. No clear explanation of the differences has been shown, they are likely to be due to various factors in the National Health Service and in the community.

Black or African American↗