MCQs emphasize recall of factual information rather than conceptual understanding and integration of concepts. We do not need medical students who are encyclopedia of scientific trivia and memorize information that can be stored and retrieved in seconds using palmtops. We do need students skilled in data analysis, critical thinking and clinical problem solving.
Based on concept of free recall the questions may be structured as open ended.
The authors hope that this suggestion would provoke healthy criticism in the arena of Medical Education.
