OSCE rater cognition - an international multi-centre qualitative study.

Raters perceive that the shortcomings of OSCEs can have unwanted effects on student behaviour. Some examiners, more likely the more experienced group, may deviate from an organisations directions due to perceived shortcomings of the assessment. No method of assessment is without flaw, and it is important to be aware of the limitations and shortcomings of assessment methods on student performance and examiner perception. Further study of assessor and student perception of OSCE performance would be helpful.