Tests are not neutral in terms of learning. They are not only evaluative, but summative too. There is a mnemonic benefit of testing - called the testing effect, in cognitive psychology studies. In educational settings, test-enhanced learning methodology has been associated with improved cognitive skills and performance of students repetitively tested on a specific content. Although it is an active learning method and despite the fact that the development of clinical reasoning depends upon increased factual contents, there has been criticism of memorization and retention in the era of evidence-based medicine. In fact, available studies have been unable to prove the benefits of using this method in problem solving abilities and patient care.
Education, Medical; Education Measurement; Professional Competency