The use of concept maps in nursing/midwifery exam papers and their examination on their feasibility and reliability as assessment tools

Anna V. Chatzi, Claire McNamara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background
Concept maps demonstrate relationships between concepts visually, allowing connections to develop the learner's cognition. Despite studies that demonstrate the value of this method, it has still not been adopted in mainstream nursing education as an assessment tool.
Aim
The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the concept map as an assessment tool in nursing education.
Methods
This study was conducted following the one-shot experimental design. One exam paper was designed to be given to participants at the final examination of a core shared undergraduate nursing/midwifery module. The target sample of the study were undergraduate first year students (N = 185). Following initial exposure of student nurses/midwives, during the Autumn semester, concept maps were included into the final exam. These were evaluated and compared with another of the most traditional assessment methods, the multiple-choice question type (MCQ). Quantitative statistical analysis of the concept map and MCQ grades were conducted. Statistical tests were used to compare all pairs of both types of papers.
Results
All paired t-test results were found to be statistically significant and effect size results also supported the statistically significant results. Concept maps' structure allows the assessment of the totality of concepts of a specific area/section of the material. MCQs can assess one aspect/detail of a concept at a time without the limitation to draw material from a specific area/section. When used together, educators can use these different features in assessing student's knowledge/understanding on the totality of taught material. Additional advantage of the concept map is its straightforward, objective and quick correction process.
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that the concept map can be a trusted assessment tool for identifying the nursing students' gaps in knowledge and comprehension.
Original languageEnglish
Article number106479
JournalNurse Education Today
Volume144
DOIs
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • Assessment
  • Concept maps
  • Nursing education
  • Undergraduate education

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