Examiner variability (66.7% of studies) and student anxiety (41.2%) are the most frequently reported challenges of oral examinations¶
Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · reviewr2·q2
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person · recheck by 2031: baselines and conditions change
Subclaims¶
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q2 i? Across the included studies, examiner variability was the most frequently cited challenge (68 studies; 66.7%), followed by student stress and anxiety (42 studies; 41.2%), logistical challenges (35 studies; 34.3%), and reliability/validity concerns (52 studies; 51.0%). → Torab-Miandoab A 2026
Evidence¶
Torab-Miandoab A 2026¶
Torab-Miandoab A, Ghafourifard M, Habibi-Chenaran S, Ghaffarifar S. (2026). Structured approaches to improving outcomes of oral exam in medical and paramedical education: A systematic review and evidence-based framework. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0355461
q2 · i? · review · r2
Thematic analysis of challenges across the 102 included studies, coded into six domains. The review reports examiner variability in 68 studies (66.7%) and student stress and anxiety in 42 studies (41.2%), with reliability/validity concerns in 52 studies (51.0%) and logistical challenges in 35 studies (34.3%).
"Examiner variability emerged as the most frequently cited challenge, reported in 68 studies (66.7%), reflecting persistent concerns over inconsistent scoring and halo effects. Student stress and anxiety were documented in 42 studies (41.2%), particularly in high-stakes or unstructured assessment settings."
Discussion¶
Related Claims¶
- Examiner training and standardization are the most recommended solutions, and structured/mock formats show improved inter-rater reliability (kappa > 0.70) — related
- Many students reported stress, anxiety and related wellbeing challenges while studying online, with over 50% of respondents naming stress or anxiety as key challenges — related
- Casual games show promise for mitigating anxiety, depression, stress, and low mood across the range of mental health issues examined — related
- Medical students with SpLDs report persistent academic, emotional, and social challenges including reading and writing difficulties, time pressure, anxiety, and isolation — related
- Structured oral examinations show higher reliability than traditional formats, with median Cronbach's alpha of 0.75 across studies — related
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by process:wiki-ingest on 2026-10-31 |
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