Assessment

1. Comparative Efficiency of Informal (Subjective, Impressionistic) and Formal (Mechanical, Algorithmic) Prediction Procedures: The Clinical-Statistical Controversy

Empirical comparisons of the accuracy of the two methods show that the mechanical method is almost invariably equal to or superior to the clinical method.

 

2. Subjective and Objective Admissions Factors As Predictors of Clinical Clerkship Performance

Multiple regression showed that admission interview comments best predict narrative clerkship performance, while objective scores best predict an objective measure of clinical knowledge. Conclusions were that narrative information can be coded reliably, object and subjective measure and distinct, identifiable structures both at admission and during the third year of medical school, and prediction formulas will vary depending on what outcome variables are chosen.