A Comparison of students performances in multiple- choice and essay questions in mother and child Health examination

The method of evaluation in learning of students, affects the mode of studying. The aim of this study was to compare the nursing student performances in essay and multiple-choice questions in mother and child Health examination in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. In this study, the scores of forthy multiple-choice questions in final examination in 121 of nursing students during the four years were compared with the scores of forthy essay questions and a scientific content was questioned in two types: essay and multiple-choice. Data was analyzed by paired t-test and Pearson correlation test and P<0. 05 was considered significant. Mean and standard deviation of scores in students was 14. 72±3. 7 in essay questions and 16. 53±2. 4 in multiple-choice questions and difference was significant (P<0. 001). There was a positive correlation between the essay and multiple-choice questions (r=0. 93). studentsُ performance was stronger in multiple-choice questions than the essay questions. Use of multiple-choice questions only, may be caused the success of students who have not the ability of perception, resolution and application. Therefore, we suggest using of different questions including essay questions in addition to multiple-choice questions in examinations. Key Words: essay examination, multiple-choice examination, student performance, mother and child health course