Step 2 = Computer Adaptive Test?

[northandponce]

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Does anyone know if the Step 1 & CK exams are adaptive?

For example- the questions are tailored according to how you have done in previous questions... in order to get an idea of how well rounded your knowledge base is.

So, lets say- I do bad at the first 2 biostats questions... for the rest of the exam, they just keep the biostats questions coming.

Or, on the opposite spectrum- I am given some cardio q's and I nip them in the bud- and that's the last of those that I see.

I do know that the GRE and Step 3 are adaptive, but I have to wonder about the Step 1 and 2.

Any opinions?

 

[lord_jeebus]

Somewhere in NBME-land is an official statement that the tests are currently not adaptive.

 

[northandponce]

ok folks- here it is...

maybe this is the reason for the "new format" in August?

I'm the poor soul who got about 20 biostats questions on Step 1, after the whole world reassured me that there would be 2-3 MAX. ugh. I Hate Adaptive Testing.

CAT Programs and Tests Under Development

"The NBME -- the National Board of Medical Examiners -- has for a number of years supported research and development concerning the conversion of their United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™) to computer-based adaptive administration. Current research focuses on the application of branched adaptive testing approaches using the CAST (computer adaptive sequential testing) method to delivering this series of examinations. For further information see www.nbme.org"

http://www.psych.umn.edu/psylabs/catcentral/

 

[Babycatcher2B]

ok folks- here it is...

maybe this is the reason for the "new format" in August?

I'm the poor soul who got about 20 biostats questions on Step 1, after the whole world reassured me that there would be 2-3 MAX. ugh. I Hate Adaptive Testing.

CAT Programs and Tests Under Development

"The NBME -- the National Board of Medical Examiners -- has for a number of years supported research and development concerning the conversion of their United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™) to computer-based adaptive administration. Current research focuses on the application of branched adaptive testing approaches using the CAST (computer adaptive sequential testing) method to delivering this series of examinations. For further information see www.nbme.org"

http://www.psych.umn.edu/psylabs/catcentral/

Is this a Yea or a ney. If yea i need to study more biostats cuz thats my week point.

 

[lord_jeebus]

The conversion has not happened; it's not adaptive.

Biostats is big on both Step I and II. There are limited ways to test the material, so I think everything in biostats is high yield.