128 - Anatomical Hotspot Items Assess Cognitive Recognition Rather Than Recall in Medical Students

Poster Board Number: 128
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Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Abstract Body : Practical assessment in the human anatomical sciences tests both knowledge, and skill. The In-person ‘steeplechase’ practical (IPP) assessment has been used traditionally, but several new approaches like online, or oral practical assessments are being used due to time, space, or financial constraints. At the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville (USCSOMG) we used 4 virtual hotspot (HSP) exams, a novel practical assessment method alongside 4 traditional steeplechase exams. Exam performance was higher on HSP exams than IPP exams, however, students improved on HSP exams from 1-2, but did not continue to improve, while students continued to improve on each subsequent IPP exam. These results speak to the differences in practical skills required to take each exam modality. The HSP exams primarily ask students to recognize information, while the IPP exams ask students to recall information as well. We propose that, while various types of practical assessment may be more convenient, it should be considered what type of cognitive skill each exam is asking a student to use.