How is this fair? Tuff break for this guy.

[EclecticMind]

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First, I should begin by saying that I have no earthly idea how step 1 is scored, how many versions there are for the same exact tests (if any), how questions are distributed, recycled, etc., etc. So if after reading this, if you can shed some light on this for me I would REALLY appreciate it.

Ok, now the story:

For a couple of months now, I've probably read at least 30 different exam experiences on this forum and others that I visit. It does seem like there is an obvious similarity to majority of the experiences given. Yesterday, however, I stumpled upon an experience given by a guy that absolutely horrible! It's almost like his test was COMPLETELY opposite from the other "majority." Just to briefly give some examples: anatomy was a major portion of his exam, yet the majority seems to have had very little anatomy; he had several histology questions; in addition to the cell bio component, his exam was covered with biochem pathways where you had to know very detailed reactions; several biostats questions; etc, etc. I think you get the point.

So now I'm confused as to how this guy's test could be scored fairly? Again, I would appreciate some insight. Thanks

 

[14022]

two words...RECALL BIAS!

I think people are more likely to report that their test was heavy on the items that they did not know as well. You tend to focus on the items you had difficulty with rather than all of the items you probably got right.

Anyone agree?

 

[Howard Roark]

and arent questions weighted differently based on difficulty?

 

[DrDre']

Totally agree. I refuse to believe that the beloved people at NBME could get away with or would try to have such different subject representations. Obviously there are thousands of unique questions. I imagine they are all coded by subject and difficulty then the computer chooses 3 hard, 5 ok and 10 gimmes, for example, for each tested area. If they don't distribute questions fairly and equally, it can not serve as a licensing exam. It is not a biochem exam, etc.

Although I love conspiracies, I can't imagine anything but the above scenario.


Recall bias is huge and not surprisingly typically follows your known weaknesses or questions that were just plain crazy hard.

 

[Howard Roark]

he is probably just remembering all the tough questions
i thought i failed after the exam and ended up with a 235
i hope it works out for him
😱

 

[AlexRusso]

he is probably just remembering all the tough questions
i thought i failed after the exam and ended up with a 235
i hope it works out for him
😱

same here. I remember at least 15 question I know I got wrong yet I wound up with a good score. During the school year I'd come out of class exams and remember lik10 questions I got wrong. It would then turn out that those were the ONLY questions I got wrong. You tend to remember the stuff you found difficult.

 

[Idiopathic]

and arent questions weighted differently based on difficulty?

I think so...I believe that every test has a certain number of 'A' level questions, even though those questions are likely in different disciplines. This is why you cant neglect anything on the USMLE, because you could get a load of very easy anatomy questions, or one very difficult one. But you have to be prepared for the former.

 

[bigfrank]

I think so...I believe that every test has a certain number of 'A' level questions, even though those questions are likely in different disciplines. This is why you cant neglect anything on the USMLE, because you could get a load of very easy anatomy questions, or one very difficult one. But you have to be prepared for the former.

Awesome advice.