Multiple choice questions: Can they examine application of knowledge?

Background: Multiple choice questions (MCQ) provide an ideal vehicle with which to assess "body of knowledge", however, one of the key questions is that of MCQ and their assessment beyond basic knowledge recall. This study has allowed exploration of knowledge recall as opposed to application of knowledge in student subgroups i.e. international students as opposed to local students. Aim: This paper describes a study which explores the use of MCQ in a Pharmacy program to assess the application of knowledge. Results: The data indicates that questions which require application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation can be used in the assessment of Pharmacology subject materials in a Pharmacy program. International students achieve a similar percentage of application of knowledge questions correct as do local students, however, attention needs to be paid as to whether questions are assessing application of pharmacology knowledge or application of pharmacology knowledge and language proficiency.