Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions

Research article

Development of a character qualities test for medical students in Korea using polytomous item response theory and factor analysis: a preliminary scale development study: Yera Hur, Dong Gi Seo; J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2023;20:20. Published online June 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2023.20.20

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
This study aimed to develop a test scale to measure the character qualities of medical students as a follow-up study on the 8 core character qualities revealed in a previous report.
Methods
In total, 160 preliminary items were developed to measure 8 core character qualities. Twenty questions were assigned to each quality, and a questionnaire survey was conducted among 856 students in 5 medical schools in Korea. Using the partial credit model, polytomous item response theory analysis was carried out to analyze the goodness-of-fit, followed by exploratory factor analysis. Finally, confirmatory factor and reliability analyses were conducted with the final selected items.
Results
The preliminary items for the 8 core character qualities were administered to the participants. Data from 767 students were included in the final analysis. Of the 160 preliminary items, 25 were removed by classical test theory analysis and 17 more by polytomous item response theory assessment. A total of 118 items and sub-factors were selected for exploratory factor analysis. Finally, 79 items were selected, and the validity and reliability were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis and intra-item relevance analysis.
Conclusion
The character qualities test scale developed through this study can be used to measure the character qualities corresponding to the educational goals and visions of individual medical schools in Korea. Furthermore, this measurement tool can serve as primary data for developing character qualities tools tailored to each medical school’s vision and educational goals.

Brief report

Core elements of character education essential for doctors suggested by medical students in Korea: a preliminary study: Yera Hur, Keumho Lee; J Educ Eval Health Prof. 2020;17:43. Published online December 21, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2020.17.43

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3 Web of Science
2 Crossref

This preliminary study aimed to determine how medical students perceive character education in Korea. A structured survey questionnaire was distributed to 10 medical students between September and December 2018, of whom 6 students replied. Students’ responses were classified into elements, which were also categorized. Twenty-nine core elements of characters in 8 categories were verified as essential for doctors and as needs for character education. The most frequently suggested categories were “care and respect,” “empathy and communication,” and “responsibility and calling.” Participants also stated that various forms of character education are necessary and that they were not satisfied with the teaching methods of the character education that they had received. These results verified the most essential character traits for doctors and identified problems related to current character education. The results of this study will be helpful for preparing the character education curriculum in medical schools.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Medical students’ self-evaluation of character, and method of character education
Yera Hur, Sanghee Yeo, Keumho Lee
BMC Medical Education.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Definition of character for medical education based on expert opinions in Korea
Yera Hur
Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions.2021; 18: 26. CrossRef

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