Appendix : Developing a Test Taking Strategy
3
Section 3: The Testing Logistics
Almost all credentialing exams are now offered on computer. In
order to minimize the risk of failure due to unfamiliarity with how
to logistically take the exam on computer, you are generally given a
practice session of up to fifteenminutes before the examcommences.
When you are acclimated with how to use the mouse, advance to
the next question, record answers, and mark answers to which you
want to return; you can begin the exam. Should your fifteenminutes
expire before you acknowledge your readiness to commence, you
will be prompted as to your readiness to begin.
Pegasus Lectures,Inc.now offers practice exams on CD-ROMwhich
allow you to practice taking the certification exams in the actual
exam computer format.For more information on the Exam Simula-
tion CD ROM’s contact:
Pegasus Lectures, Inc.
PO Box 157
Forney, TX 75126
Tel: 972-564-3056
Fax: 972-552-9186
Email:
Web:
Section 4: The ExamMaterial (conceptual and practical
understanding)
Most people struggle with really learning the material. Memoriza-
tion of equations and facts is a very poor substitute. When you
look at the facts and equations you are expected to know, consider
whether you can relate the facts and variables to what is physically
occurring between the ultrasound wave and the tissue (medium)?
Can you explain why the fact or equation has bearing on your study,
the interpretation, and ultimately, the well being of the patient? If
you can,then you are ready to take the exam. If you cannot,you now
know your goal for this independent learning program.
Section 5: The Test Question Formats
Have you ever considered the different formats for multiple choice
questions? There are many ways of categorizing question types, or
formats. We will categorize the question types as follows:
1. The No Look
2. The Peek
3. The Look
By recognizing and learning how to respond to these question“types”
you will save time and energy and minimize confusion.
1. The No Look
The “No Look” question type is the type of question which can
be answered from the question alone, without first looking at the
choices given. There are some very good reasons for not looking at
the choices before answering this type of question.
Of the choices given only one is correct. Why put a whole
bunch of incorrect information into your head before you
make a response? This will only confuse you.
By first answering the question, you reduce the question
into a simple matter of matching, instead of solving and
matching. As a result, you will have less to remember
between choices, taking less time and minimizing energy
expense.
The distracters do just that – distract your attention from
the correct response.
Approach:
For most people, the best approach to answering the“No Look”type
question is to answer the question before looking at the answers.
Especially with technical questions, the information in the choices
will begin to overload the normal thought process.
Don’t view the choices
On your scratch paper, write down what information
is given
Make use of key words
Write down the information or facts that you know
Derive your answer
Determine what units, if any, the answer should be in
Check to see if any of the choices match your answer
Examples: (No Look)
• Given a spatial pulse length of 5 mm, what is the radial
resolution?
• If the frequency increases, the wavelength will...
2. The Peek
The “Peek” question type is the type of question which can be an-
swered from reading the question and only peeking at the choices
given. After peeking at the choices, this question type essentially
becomes a“No Look”type question, and the approach should be the
same as for the “No Look” type.
Approach
Briefly peek at the choices
Now follow the approach for the “No Look” type question
