COGNITIVE LEVEL OF MCQS IN PHARMACOLOGY

Introduction: Medical universities have started MCQs as assessment tools in various disciplines for the last few years.However, maintaining the standards and quality of these MCQs is very much necessary. This study aims to evaluatethe quality of MCQs by determining the level of cognition of Pharmacology exams at Bacha Khan Medical College.Study Design: a Cross-sectional study the cognitive level of MCQ”Duration and place of study: department of Pharmacology Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan, from Jan2014 to Jan 2015Methods: This analytical study evaluated the quality of MCQs used in the final pharmacology exams at BachaKhan Medical College. The cognitive Levels of MCQs (C1, C2, C3) were evaluated.Results: A total of 100 MCQs were analyzed. The cognitive cost of the MCQs’ cognitive level was at recall level(C1) (70%). MCQs in C2 were 30%. There were no MCQs at the C3 level.Conclusion: Most of the items were at a low (C1) level of cognition. A structured faculty development program,along with the development of test blueprints, is recommended to improve the quality of MCQs. A fully dedicated,honest, full-time staff in sufficient numbers with enough time, space, planning, and material resources is needed tocarry out this purpose.Key Words: Assessment, MCQs Quality, Evaluation, Cognitive level.