Relationship Between Case Question Prompt Format and the Quality of Responses

Abstract

Objectives. To compare the effectiveness of 2 case question formats (multiple choice and open ended) to prompt faculty members and students to explore multiple solutions and use factual evidence to defend their solutions.

Methods. Doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) faculty members and students responded to 2 pharmacy law/ethics cases, one followed by a case question prompt in multiple-choice format and the other by a question in open-ended format. The number of conclusions and the quality of the arguments generated were assessed using general linear modeling.

Results. PharmD faculty members outperformed students on every outcome variable measured, demonstrating expert problem-solving skills. All participants provided better quality arguments when the case prompt question was in multiple-choice format.

Conclusions. The better quality arguments prompted by multiple-choice case questions suggests this format should be used when constructing case question prompts.