Dr Daniel Zahra
Profiles

Dr Daniel Zahra

Associate Professor of Assessment and Psychometrics

Peninsula Medical School (Faculty of Health)

Dr Daniel Zahra can be contacted through arrangement with our Press Office, to speak to the media on these areas of expertise.
  • Dentistry
  • Medical education
  • Psychology
  • Emotion
  • Reasoning
  • Statistics
  • Psychometrics
  • Philosophy of science
Biography

Biography

I am currently Associate Professor of Assessment and Psychometrics at the University of Plymouth Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry (Faculty of Health), supporting assessment and research across all medical and dental programmes.

Working alongside amazing colleagues, I am involved in a diverse range of projects across three broad themes; assessment, equality, and integration, combining my interests in psychology, philosophy, and education. My recent work, interests, and publications can be found at https://daniel-zahra.com

Qualifications

2008-2013 PhD "How Does Emotion Affect Reasoning?"
2007-2008 MSc Psychological Research Methods
2004-2007 BSc (Honours) Psychology

Professional membership

Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (CPsychol)
Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsP)
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (inc. Registered Data Analyst)
Academy of Medical Educators, AoME (FAcadMEd)

Association for Medical Education in Europe, AMEE
Association for Dental Education in Europe, ADEE
Association for the Study of Medical Education , ASME
International Association for Dental Researchers, IADR
British Society for Oral and Dental Research, BSODR
Association of Science Educators in Dentistry, ASEiD
Community and Primary Care Research Group (University of Plymouth)
Division of Education and Scholarship (University of Plymouth)
Collaboration for the Advancement of Medical Education Research, CAMERa
International Network for Health Workforce Education, INHWE
Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research, PIHR
Carers and Parents Network, University of Plymouth
Collaboration for Compassion in Healthcare Education, University of Plymouth
LGBT+ Allies Network, University of Plymouth
Faculty Research Ethics and Integrity Committee (University of Plymouth Faculty of Health)

Roles on external bodies

I am an active member of the Royal Statistical Society 'Statisticians for Society' programme; a pro bono scheme connecting professional statisticians and charitable organisations, as well as begin involved in projects and initiatives ran by the organisations listed above of which I am a member or affiliate.

Teaching

Teaching

Teaching interests

I mostly employ my skills an expertise in the teaching of statistics and research methods across the programmes in the medical and dental schools, but am also involved in teaching related to my psychology background as well.

My pedagogic interests included all aspects of integrated educational and the benefits and challenges of such undertakings; assessment, standard setting, formats, delivery, the underlying assumptions; and widening participation, equality of access, encouraging participation across higher education and beyond.

Research

Research

Research interests

I am involved in a diverse range of projects across three broad themes; assessment, equality, and integration, combining my interests in psychology, philosophy, and education. My recent work, other research interests, and publications can be found at https://daniel-zahra.com

Research degrees awarded to supervised students

Consulting and specialist analysis and design supervision for, among others:

Sebastian Stevens’ ‘Exploring the influence of social relationships on multisource feedback assessments for UK General Practitioners: A Social Network Analysis’ (2021)

Rebecca Baines’ ‘Can the value and acceptability of a patient feedback tool for revalidating psychiatrists be improved for both patients and psychiatrists through its co-production? An action research approach.’ (2021)

Nicole Thomas’ ‘Autism and Primary Care Dentistry: parents’ experiences of taking children with autism for dental examinations’ (2022)

Grants & contracts

Zahra, D., Glanville, R., Manly, M., Pinter, G., Kisielewska, J., and Butler, T. (2022)  A Comparison of the psychometric properties and pedagogic value of correct-incorrect and elimination marking in single-best-answer multiple choice assessments. Peninsula Medical School Education Award, awarded by the Division of Education and Scholarship,

Zahra, D., Glanville, R., Millin, P., and Manly, M. (2021) Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in Dentistry: Module development including teaching materials and assessment tasks. Medical University of Lodz, Poland.


Zahra, D., Glanville, R., Millin, P., and Manly, M. (2021) Teaching Evidence-based Medicine: Module development including teaching materials and assessment tasks. Medical University of Lodz, Poland.

Zahra, D (2021-Present) Subject matter expert consulting in psychometrics and psychological testing. CommsMultilingual.

Bryce, M., Zahra, D., and Vahdaninia, M. (2021) Hidden harassment and discrimination among medical and health professions students: reporting, prevalence and impact. Faculty of Health - Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research.

Bryce, M., Gale, T., Hanks, S., O’Brien, T., & Zahra, D. (2020) 'Unlocking the potential of GDC Fitness to Practise data'. Awarded by the  General Dental Council.

Gale, T., Bryce, M., Burns, L., Hanks, S., & Zahra D. (2019) 'Review and mapping of basic dental training in EU member states'. Awarded by the General Dental Council.

Baines, R., Regan de Bere, S., Gale, T., Johnson, R., Kelly, A., Snow, R., & Zahra, D. (2017) 'Exploring the impact of patient involvement in the teaching and assessment of vaginal examination skills', Awarded by the PedRIO Pedagogic Research and Teaching Innovation Fund.

Archer, J., Roberts, M., Zahra, D., Gabe-Thomas, E., Bryce, M., Howarth, S., & O’Brien, T. (2016) 'Analysis of General Dental Council Fitness to Practise complaints data (Part 2)'. Awarded by the General Dental Council.

Archer, J., Bryce, M., O’Brien, T., Roberts, M., & Zahra D. (2015) 'Analysis of General Dental Council Fitness to Practise complaints data (Part 1)'. Awarded by the General Dental Council. 

Zahra, D., Charlesford, J. and Monk, R. (2013) Visual Reasoning and Alcohol Warnings. Awarded by the School of Psychology, University of Plymouth.

Creative practice & artistic projects

‘Deer’, 16 x 12in (40.6 x 30.5cm), oil on canvas. Exhibited for sale as part of the Rowan Charity Art Exhibition to raise funds for Rowan arts centre and forest school for adults with learning disabilities; Cambridge, 2022.

‘Kandyan Fire-Eater’, 18 x 14in (45.7 x 35.6cm), oil on canvas. Piece created and exhibited for sale as part of the Freedom Exhibition to raise funds for Young Epilepsy and Mind; Online, 2021.

Images of Research 2020, featuring a submission in collaboration with Jane Collingwood and Cathy Coelho based on development and evaluation of 3D-printed teeth. Our submission won 2nd prize (£100) for 'Best Photographic Image' in the public vote as part of the University of Plymouth Research Festival 2020. The image also features in the University of Plymouth Diversity and Wellbeing Calendar for 2020/21 (End section image).

Images of Research 2019, featuring submissions from our trip to Boston to meet with programme teams from Harvard and Tufts Universities. One of our submissions is featured in the University of Plymouth Diversity and Wellbeing Calendar for 2019/20 (August).

I am also an artist of the Brooklyn Art Library (New York), supporting community based initiatives and fundraising activities there.

Publications

Publications

Key publications

Key publications are highlighted

Journals

My recent work and publications can be found at https://daniel-zahra.com

Articles
Ali K & Zahra D (2024) 'Ten tips for effective use and quality assurance of multiple‐choice questions in knowledge‐based assessments' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI
Gaballah K, Ali K, Zahra D, Abou Neel E & Ibrahim E (2023) 'Perceived confidence of dental students and new graduates in performing tooth extractions—An exploratory study' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI Open access
Ali K, Alhaija ESA, Raja M, Zahra D, Brookes ZL, McColl E, Zafar S, Kirnbauer B, Al Wahadni AM & Al-Fodeh RS (2023) 'Blended learning in undergraduate dental education: a global pilot study' Medical Education Online 28, (1) , DOI Open access
Javed MQ, Nawabi S, Bhatti UA, Atique S, AlAttas MH, Abulhamael AM, Zahra D & Ali K (2023) 'How Well Prepared Are Dental Students and New Graduates in Pakistan—A Cross-Sectional National Study' International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 20, (2) 1506-1506 , DOI Open access
Bryce M, Zahra D, Burns L, Hanks S & Gale T (2022) 'Progress and challenges in the harmonisation of European undergraduate dental education: a systematic literature review with narrative synthesis' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI Open access
Ali K, Winter J, Webb O & Zahra D (2022) 'Decolonisation of curricula in undergraduate dental education: an exploratory study' British Dental Journal 233, (5) 415-422 , DOI Open access
Watson HR, Dolley M, Perwaiz M, Saxelby J, Bertone G, Burr S, Collett T, Jeffery R & Zahra D (2022) '‘Everyone is trying to outcompete each other’: A qualitative study of medical student attitudes to a novel peer‐assessed undergraduate teamwork module' FEBS Open Bio , DOI Open access
Qazi H, Ali K, Cockerill J & Zahra D (2021) 'Self-Perceived Competence of New Dental Graduates in Pakistan – A Multi-institution Study' Pakistan Medical and Dental 71, (3) 739-743 Publisher Site , DOI Open access
Ali K, Venkatasami N, Zahra D, Brookes Z & Kisielewska J (2021) 'Evaluation of Sepsis Teaching for Medical and Dental Students at a British University' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI Open access
Richards L, Ginwalla K, Hasan S, Taylor A, Beckley P, Matheson M, Zahra D, Shah H, Feder G & Broad J (2021) 'Medical Student Harassment and Discrimination: What Factors Affect Perceptions of Harassment and Discrimination?' The International Journal of Diversity in Education 21, (2) 113-133 , DOI
Burr S, Martin T, Edwards J, Ferguson C, Gilbert K, Gray C, Hill A, Hosking J, Johnstone K & Kisielewska J (2021) 'Standard setting anchor statements: a double cross-over trial of two different methods' MedEdPublish 10, (1:32) 1-13 Publisher Site , DOI Open access
Turton A, Langsford M, Di Lorenzo D, Zahra D, Henshelwood J & Griffiths T (2020) 'An audit of emotional logic for mental health self-care improving social connection' European Journal of Integrative Medicine 37, , DOI Open access
Baines R, Zahra D, Bryce M, Regan de Bere S, Roberts M & Archer J (2019) 'Is collecting patient feedback 'a futile exercise' in the context of recertification?' Academic Psychiatry , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Bennett J, Belfield L, Ali K, McIlwaine C, Bruce M, Jones G, Brookes ZL, Coelho C & Zaric S (2019) 'Effect of Constant versus Variable Small-Group Facilitators on Student Basic Science Knowledge in an Enquiry-Based Dental Curriculum' European Journal of Dental Education 0, (ja) Author Site , DOI Open access
Chana H, Smith G, Bansal H & Zahra D (2019) 'A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Survival Rate of 88 Zygomatic Implants Placed Over an 18-year Period' The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants 34, (2) 461-470 , DOI Open access
McIlwaine C, Brookes ZLS, Zahra D, Ali K, Zaric S, Jones G & Belfield LA (2019) 'A novel, integrated curriculum for dental hygiene-therapists and dentists' British Dental Journal 226, 67-67 Author Site Open access
Coelho C, Zahra D, Ali K & Tredwin C (2019) 'To accept or decline academic remediation: What difference does it make?' Medical Teacher 0, 1-6 Publisher Site , DOI Open access
Ali K, Cockerill J, Zahra D, Tredwin C & Ferguson C (2018) 'Impact of Progress testing on the learning experiences of students in medicine, dentistry and dental therapy' BMC Medical Education 18, 253-253 Publisher Site , DOI Open access
Zahra D & Burr SA (2018) 'Analysis of question text properties for equality monitoring' Perspectives on Medical Education Author Site , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Belfield L, Bennett J, Zaric S & Mcilwaine C (2018) 'The benefits of integrating dental and dental therapy and hygiene students in undergraduate curricula' European Journal of Dental Education Author Site , DOI Open access
Ali K, Cockerill J, Zahra D, Qazi HS, Raja U & Ataullah K (2018) 'Self-perceived preparedness of final year dental students in a developing country-A multi-institution study' European Journal of Dental Education 22, (4) e745-e750 Author Site , DOI Open access
Broad J, Matheson M, Verrall F, Taylor AK, Zahra D, Alldridge L & Feder G (2018) 'Discrimination, harassment and non-reporting in UK medical education' Medical Education 52, (4) 414-426 , DOI Open access
Ali K, Zahra D, Tredwin C, Mcilwaine C & Jones G (2018) 'Use of Progress Testing in a UK Dental Therapy and Hygiene Educational Program' Journal of Dental Education 82, (2) 130-136 Author Site , DOI Open access
Ali K, Jerreat M, Zahra D & Tredwin C (2017) 'Correlations Between Final-Year Dental Students’ Performance on Knowledge-Based and Clinical Examinations' Journal of Dental Education 81, (12) 1444-1450 Author Site , DOI Open access
Burr SA, Zahra D, Cookson J, Salih VM, Gabe-Thomas E & Robinson IM (2017) 'Angoff anchor statements: setting a flawed gold standard?' MedEdPublish 6, (3:53) 1-7 , DOI Open access
Ali K, Slade A, Kay E, Zahra D & Tredwin C (2017) 'Preparedness of undergraduate dental students in the United Kingdom: a national study' British Dental Journal 222, (6) 472-477 , DOI Open access
Ali K, Zahra D, Coelho C, Jones G & Tredwin C (2017) 'Academic performance of undergraduate dental students with learning disabilities' British Dental Journal 222, (3) 205-208 , DOI Open access
Ali K, Zahra D, McColl E, Salih V & Tredwin C (2017) 'Impact of early clinical exposure on the learning experience of undergraduate dental students' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Robinson I, Roberts M, Coombes L, Cockerill J & Burr S (2016) 'Rigour in moderation processes is more important than the choice of method' Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education 1-9 Author Site , DOI Open access
Ali K, Slade A, Kay E, Zahra D, Chatterjee A & Tredwin C (2016) 'Application of Rasch analysis in the development and psychometric evaluation of dental undergraduates preparedness assessment scale' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI Open access
Ali K, Zahra D & Tredwin C (2016) 'Comparison of graduate-entry and direct school leaver student performance on an applied dental knowledge test' European Journal of Dental Education , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Langsford M & Griffiths T (2016) 'Emotional logic development profiles – validating the benefits and safety of emotional logic training' International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice 20, (3) 141-145 , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Hedge C, Pesola F & Burr S (2016) 'Accounting for test reliability in student progression: the reliable change index' Medical Education 50, (7) 738-745 , DOI Open access
Coombes L, Roberts M, Zahra D & Burr S (2015) 'Twelve tips for assessment psychometrics' Medical Teacher 38, (3) 250-254 , DOI Open access
Roser ME, Aslin RN, McKenzie R, Zahra D & Fiser J (2015) 'Enhanced visual statistical learning in adults with autism' Neuropsychology 29, (2) 163-172 Author Site , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Monk RL & Corder E (2015) ''If you drink alcohol, then you will get cancer': Investigating how reasoning accuracy is affected by pictorially presented graphic alcohol warnings' Alcohol and Alcoholism , DOI
Jones RB, Soler-Lopez M, Zahra D, Shankleman J & Trenchard-Mabere E (2013) 'Using online adverts to increase the uptake of cervical screening amongst "real Eastenders": an opportunistic controlled trial' BMC Res Notes 6, Author Site , DOI Open access
Zahra D, Bailey C, Hedge C, Wyles K & Sanders BG (2013) 'A Short Report on the Trait Meta-Mood Scale and the Importance of Scale Norms' Social Psychological Review 15, (1) 14-24
Zahra D, Qureshi AW, Henley W, Taylor R, Byng R, Quinn C, Pooler J, Hardy G & Newbold A (2013) 'The Work and Social Adjustment Scale: Reliability, Sensitivity, and Value' International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice Publisher Site
Paton JS, Stenhouse EA, Bruce G, Zahra D & Jones RB (2012) 'A comparison of customised and prefabricated insoles to reduce risk factors for neuropathic diabetic foot ulceration: a participant-blinded randomised controlled trial' J Foot Ankle Res 5, (1) Author Site , DOI Open access
Sanders BG, Zahra D, Hedge C & Summerscales J (2011) 'Heavier or just colder? A new approach to perception research' PsyPAG Quarterly (78) 4-8 Publisher Site
Sanders B, Dowland P, Atkinson S, Zahra D, Furnell S & Papadaki M (2010) 'Online addiction: A cultural comparison of privacy risks in online gaming environments' Journal of Multimedia Processing Technologies 1, (3) 181-194
Zahra D & Hedge C (2010) 'The reliable change index: Why isn't it more popular in academic psychology?' Psychology Postgraduate Affairs Group Quarterly 76, 14-19
Sanders BG, Dowland P, Atkinson S, Zahra D, Furnell S & Papadaki M (2010) 'Online Addiction: A Cultural Comparison of Privacy Risks in Online Gaming Environments' J. Multim. Process. Technol. 1, 181-193
Chapters
Hennessy CH, Staelens Y, Lankshear G, Phippen A, Silk A & Zahra D (2014) 'Rural connectivity and older people’s leisure participation' in Hennessy CH; Means R; Burholt V Countryside connections: Older people, community and place in rural Britain Bristol The Policy Press
Conference Papers
Ali K & Zahra D (2015) 'Use of Progress Testing in Undergraduate Dental Education' ” European Board of Medical Assessors (EBMA) Annual Academic Conference “Crossing Boundaries – Assessment in Medical Education, University of Exeter, UK, October 15, 2016 Exeter University United Kingdom 0-/-1/20150-/-1/2015Open access
Qureshi AW, Byng R, Newbold A, Zahra D, Pooler J, Hardy G, Forber S, Weyer-Brown C, Taylor R & Henley W (2012) 'Variations in access to therapy for depression and anxiety with the new Improving Access to Psychological Therapy Services' South West Society for Academic Primary Care Torquay 3-/-0/20123-/-0/2012
Sanders BG, Chen V, Zahra D, Dowland P, Atkinson S, Papadaki M & Furnell S (2010) 'Online addiction: privacy risks in online gaming environments' in Chbeir R ACM 114-121 Publisher Site
Reports
Gale T, Bryce M, Burns L, Hanks S & Zahra D (2021) Review and mapping of basic dental training in EU member states: final report. General Dental Council Publisher Site
Archer J, Cameron N, Lewis M, Marshall M, O'Hanlon J, Regan de Bere S, Walshe K, Baines R, Boyd A & Bryce M (2018) UMbRELLA: Evaluating the regulatory impacts of medical revalidation – final report. General Medical Council Publisher Site Open access
Archer J, Roberts M, Zahra D, Bryce ME & O'Brien T (2017) Analysis of fitness to practise case data for the General Dental Council: Summary and Main Report. General Dental Council Publisher Site
Presentations and posters
Zahra D, Belfield L, McIlwaine C, Ali KAMRAN, Bennett JH & Zaric S Zahra D, Belfield L, McIlwaine C, Ali KAMRAN, Bennett JH & Zaric S 'Exploring the relationships between knowledge and skills assessments in Dental Therapy and Hygiene students as a function of prior qualifications' Author Site Open access
Zahra D, Gabe-Thomas E & Kisielewska J Zahra D, Gabe-Thomas E & Kisielewska J 'Impact of students’ engagement with online formative medical knowledge tests on their academic performance'
Ali K & Zahra D Ali K & Zahra D 'Progress Testing as a tool to assess growth in applied dental knowledge' Open access
Ali K, Zahra D & Tredwin C Ali K, Zahra D & Tredwin C 'Progress Testing: A tool for Integrated Learning and Assessment in Undergraduate Dental Education' Open access
Ali K, Cockerill J & Zahra D Ali K, Cockerill J & Zahra D 'Self-perceived preparedness of New Dental Graduates' Open access
Gabe-Thomas E, Zahra D & Kisielewska JD Gabe-Thomas E, Zahra D & Kisielewska JD 'To what extent does engagement in formative assessment improve summative ECG assessment performance?'
Stevens S, Jones R, Zahra D & Chatterjee A Stevens S, Jones R, Zahra D & Chatterjee A 'Using Longitudinal Social Network Methods to Evaluate the Impact of eHealth Innovation Ecosystem Development: A Case Study of the EPIC project' Open access
Personal

Personal

Links

My recent work, research interests, and publications can be found at https://daniel-zahra.com