Psychometric characteristics and response times for one-best-answer questions in relation to number and source of options.

Background: The research reported here investigated the impact of number and source of response options on the psychometric characteristics and response times for one-best-answer MCQs.

Method: Ninety sets of MCQs were used in two studies; numbers of options in base versions of items ranged from 11 to 25. For each set, a United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 item-writing committee selected the five options viewed as most appropriate.

The impact of postgraduate training and timing on USMLE Step 3 performance.

Purpose: This study examined the extent to which differences in clinical experience, gained in postgraduate training programs, affect performance on Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Method: Subjects in the study were 36,805 U.S.