Date
7-2010
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Chair
Karen L. Parker
Primary Subject Area
Education, Tests and Measurements
Keywords
M4Q, Mayfield's Four Questions, Multiple-choice, Self-efficacy, test-taking strategy
Recommended Citation
Mayfield, Linda Riggs, "Effects of Mayfield's Four Questions (M4Q) on Nursing Students' Self-Efficacy and Multiple-Choice Test Scores" (2010). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 400.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/400
Abstract
This study examined the effects of being taught the Mayfield's Four Questions multiple-choice test-taking strategy on the perceived self-efficacy and multiple-choice test scores of nursing students in a two-year associate degree program. Experimental and control groups were chosen by stratified random sampling. Subjects completed the 10-statement General Self-Efficacy survey and two additional statements based on guidelines by the survey authors and self-efficacy theorist Albert Bandura. The intervention consisted of weekly half-hour sessions to learn and practice M4Q. Survey data was statistically analyzed by group and by statement. Multiple-choice test scores were analyzed by group, level, test and test group. Statistically significant differences were found between the final experimental (n = 16) and control (n=17) groups in post-intervention perceived self-efficacy, change in perceived self-efficacy, specific self-efficacy factors, scores on the final standardized nursing test and the mean score of the predictor tests for the licensure examination. A significant correlation was found between the number of M4Q teaching sessions attended and 2nd year students' grades on two teacher-prepared tests. Results indicate the M4Q can have a positive effect on both self-efficacy and multiple-choice test performance. Suggestions for further research were discussed.
