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UNION EUROPÉENNE DES MÉDEC INS SPÉC IAL I STES
EUROPEAN UNION OF MEDI CAL SPEC IAL I STS
Association internationale sans but lucratif – International non-profit organisation
A
VENUE DE LA
C
OURONNE
, 20 14
T +32 2 649 51 64
BE- 1050 BRUSSELS
F +32 2 640 37 30
www.uems.net info@uems.net1)
The “
absolute
” pass mark (expressed as a number or percentage of questions
needed to be answered correctly, e.g. 70%)
a.
This is criterion reference based and therefore it is possible for all
candidates to pass or fail
2)
The
“relative
” pass mark (expressed in relation to a number or percentage of
individuals taking the exam, e.g. top 33%)
a.
This is norm-reference based therefore the grade of the examinee is
determined by both his/her own achievement compared against the
achievement of all other candidates.
3)
The “
Angoff
” pass mark. The Angoff score is determined after the question has
been written, reviewed and accepted as appropriate for the examination.
a.
It is determined before the examination by a set of experts (who may or
may not be the part of the question writing group).
b.
It is the likelihood of borderline competent candidate whose knowledge,
skills and abilities are considered just sufficient to pass the examination
overall of correctly answering that individual question.
c.
A good examination will consist of a series of questions with a wide
distribution of Angoff scores.
d.
“
Modified Angoff
”
scores are determined in a similar way but are
determined
after
the examination has been sat by the test takers and the
performance of each question is known and taken into account by those
determining the modified Angoff score.
e.
A combination of Angoff and modified Angoff scores can be used to
determine the passmark for a particular diet of an examination.
f.
Questions where the Angoff or score is significantly at odds with the
actual performance of the question in the exam should be reviewed to
determine if the question is faulty or requires further revision.
Finally:
Whilst the generation of new questions is essentially a task for the individual, the process of
maximising the quality of MCQs is a task for a group of motivated and experienced MCQs writers
who will, at times, need to meet face-to-face.
Experience suggests that the face-to-face format, although more costly, facilitates an international
atmosphere and understanding. It encourages individual contributors and is considered
irreplaceable, not only to motivate individual writers but to maximise the intellectual benefit from
each newly developed MCQ. Discussion of individual topics should be encouraged and the
contribution of all individuals valued. In particular those who are inexperienced questions writers
should be facilitated in a constructive manner to enhance their individual contribution to the joint