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Procedures for the MCQ examinations
All multiple-choice type questions are presented in Examplify. You will download the examination and will only be able to commence the examination when the password is entered.
When you start the examination and can see questions, the timer for that examination will start. The timer is specific to YOUR computer and your attempt. Your invigilator will not need to inform you of the remaining time. You may set up any number of additional alerts to help you manage your time.
You may submit your examination at any time, but when it is submitted it is impossible to make any further changes.
A note function exists in Examplify – the examination committee are unable to see these notes, if you have any comments about questions please flag these to your invigilator.
Answering MCQ questions
Multiple choice questions are based on a SINGLE BEST ANSWER format with one BEST answer and three distracters. As veterinary students you will likely have experienced single correct answer questions where only one response can be correct. In order to assess your problem solving and higher order abilities the single best answer is more valid.
The difference between single best and single correct answer questions are demonstrated in this example below.
| Which antibiotic is considered the most appropriate for treating Strep. equi equi infection? | |
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Single correct answer |
Single best answer |
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Only option B - pencillin could be considered a valid response
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All of these responses could be considered valid in terms of sensitivity, the consensus statement suggest the use of penicillin is most appropriate
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| Note: while you might not consider that antibiotic treatment is indicated, this is NOT an option. So the best answer remains penicillin. | |
The difficulty of a multiple-choice questions comes both from the knowledge and understanding, but also from how separated the distracters are on a ‘continuum of correctness’. This is illustrated in the example below with two theoretical sets of answers to the same questions
| What is the most appropriate treatment for the management of a large periocular sarcoid in a horse? | |
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a. Topical 5 fluorouracil cream |
w. Intralesional BCG |
The 'continuum of correctness' |
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In this example the options on the left are at the extremes of the ‘continuum of correctness’ and selecting the best answer does not require much integration of knowledge. The options on the right are almost impossible to differentiate. Option w probably has most evidence for its use and many would rank it highest but x and y are probably effective and there has been no comparative study of them. Option z is too innovative to be able to place accurately, but the lack of evidence probably makes it least correct. However even the most experienced internal medicine specialist would struggle to pick ‘the best’ |
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Laboratory data and dose rates when answering questions
- You are not expected to learn normal ranges or dose rates (or infusion rates etc).
- You will be presented with normal ranges alongside laboratory data.
- All laboratory data will be presented in SI units.
- Reference values may differ between different questions since each question is a genuine scenario and therefore the individual laboratories reference range will be included.
Financial and marketing restrictions to consider when answering questions
- Responses should be selected that represent the best medical evidence for an individual horse/donkey.
- You should not limit your responses based on financial consideration or regional differences in medicine availability that may impact what medicine you would be able to use in your own country. However, an understanding of EU wide medication control is expected (eg for antibiotic restrictions)