What is the Impact of Commercial Test Preparation Courses on Medical Examination Performance?
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TL;DR
It is concluded that the utility and value of commercial test preparation courses in medicine have not been demonstrated, and that evaluation apprehension in the medical profession and aggressive marketing practices are most likely responsible for commercial course prosperity.
Abstract
The articles and unpublished reports reveal that current research lacks control and rigor; the incremental validity of the commercial courses on medical examination performance, if any, is extremely small; and evidence in support of the courses is weak or nonexistent; almost no details are given about the form and conduct of the commercial test preparation courses; studies are confined to courses in preparation for the Medical College Admission Test, the former National Board of Medical Examiners Part 1, and the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1, not tests of clinical science; and that cost-benefit analyses of the test preparation courses have not been done. It is concluded that the utility and value of commercial test preparation courses in medicine have not been demonstrated, and that evaluation apprehension in the medical profession and aggressive marketing practices are most likely responsible for commercial course prosperity.