Exploring Knowledge Growth of Medical Subspecialists Using Latent Curve Modeling

• In Event: Assessment Using Multiple-Choice Questions

Abstract

This study uses latent curve models (LCM) to explore the trajectories of knowledge growth in a medical subspecialty. The LCM uses latent factors to infer existence of unobserved growth trajectories based on sets of observed repeated measures. Three in-training examinations (SITEs) and the certifying (CERT) examination are used as 4 points of repeated measures of medical knowledge. A total of 540 fellows who have taken both the CERT exam and at least one SITE are included in the analysis. Gender, medical school country (American or international), and a general CERT exam performance (GenMeasure) are added to the model as time invariant covariates to explore causal links between linkage of these predictors and changes in SITEs and CERT exams.

Authors

• Ying Du, American Board of Pediatrics

• Linda A. Althouse, American Board of Pediatrics

• Rachael Jin Bee Tan, Schroeder Measurement Technologies, Inc.

• Robert Thomas Furter, American Board of Pediatrics