dynx said:
While I don't doubt that it is somehow curved, I no longer think it is as simple as a curve per form. I got the same exact question twice, and others I have spoken to have as well. Not a similar question but word for word the same question. There is no way they have a "form" for a whole test with the same question repeated let alone multiple forms with the same question repeated, that would be idiotic. I think if anything the blocks may be set and randomly assigned with a standard curve per block and a formula for integrating your relative score into a composite for the test or... if they are truely insane they may generate random questions and have an intividual question correct response rate but that would be truely crazy so Im leaning toward randomly assigned blocks that are pre-set.
My post here in no way furthers the thread but I just thought I would throw out my 2 cent.
EVER heard of experimental questions? I had two pairs of similar questions too. The reason you were tested more than once is because the other ones were tested for future test adminstrations. The problem is you don't know which one was experimental.
The main reason new questions are added is because there are old questions floating around via messageboards, ebay, goljan etc. It would not be fair for someone to have "inside" knowledge about the exam. The NBME committee tries very hard to maintain integrity of the exam. They take medical licensing very serious (as they should). Sure there are loops in the system such as SDN where people post questions on their exam. Still this advantage within a calendar year is a drop in the bucket. What they are mainly concerned about is the integrity of the exam year by year. They don't want anyone from next years's class to have a hugh batch of remembered questions, thus they make up new questions.
Regardless as tommyk sez, they test the same concepts year by year. The questions are different, but the concepts are the same.
Let's use logic. Do you honestly believe the NBME would count the same question twice for something that is as high stakes as a medical licensing exam? Sure around 90% pass, but around 10% do not pass. NBME is not going to waste two pairs of questions and risk someone scoring a 181 and flunk the exam.
It is like RAMORAY's theory that every question is based on previous examinee's in previous years. That is horsecrap. I had two questions on my exam that pinpointed the date post 2000. They make new questions, how else are they going to see if it is valid? It is called field testing.
All standardized exams have experimental questions. If you were smart enough you would realize that my numbers such as 280/350 were arbitrary.
As a review
1. USMLE examinations have experimental questions, yet every form has the same amount of total raw score. Arbitrary example 320 total and 30 experimental questions. This is one of the reasons people perceive certain sections are heavily weighted. The experimental batch that you receive might be heavy in immunopathology.
2. Standardized exams field test new questions the preceding year to use the following year. If the top 10% of the students of the scorers on a particular form do not consistently get the question right, it is thrown out or the question is modified. There is a steady state of questions retired to new questions added, thus the pool stays the same.
Lastly, if anyone has a better theory post here. I'm smart enough to know that I might not be 100% right. Still, I'm very convinced of my theory.