Correlations between staff, peer and self assessments of fourth-year students in surgery.

Self, peer and staff assessments were made for 138 of 141 students, in two fourth-year surgery classes. Self assessments were significantly lower than peer assessments, which in turn were significantly lower than staff assessments. The highest correlation was between peer and staff assessments. Students with serious psychological problems identified themselves with failing self assessments. The study stimulated interest in assessment procedures amongst staff and students and the latter responded with an assessment of teachers and courses throughout the faculty.