ERIC Number: EJ1058259
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-May
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1382-4996
EISSN: N/A
Association of Research Self-Efficacy with Medical Student Career Interests, Specialization, and Scholarship: A Case Study
Bierer, S. Beth; Prayson, Richard A.; Dannefer, Elaine F.
Advances in Health Sciences Education, v20 n2 p339-354 May 2015
This study used variables proposed in social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to focus the evaluation of a research curriculum at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (CCLCM). Eight cohorts of CCLCM medical students completed a web-based version of the six-scale Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory-Short Form (CRAI-SF) items at matriculation (n = 128) or graduation (n = 111) during 2009-2013. Parametric statistics were used to compare CRAI-SF scales to domains proposed in SCCT: trainees' characteristics (gender, training level, advanced degree), career interests, career intentions (medical specialty), and performance (peer-reviewed publications and required thesis topic). A number of lessons emerged in using theory to frame the evaluation of a complex educational program. Graduates rated their research self-efficacy significantly higher on all six CRAI-SF scales with large effect sizes (>0.90) on five scales (Conceptualizing a Study, Study Design and Analysis, Responsible Research Conduct, Collaborating with Others, and Reporting a Study). Women and men did not have significantly different scores on CRAI-SF scales (p > 0.05), suggesting that the research program provides adequate supports for women students. Most thesis projects addressed clinical (36.9%, n = 41) or translational (34.2%, n = 38) research topics. The CRAI-SF discriminated between medical school matriculates and graduates, suggesting that research self-efficacy increases with mastery experiences. No significant relationships occurred between CRAI-SF scores and graduates' thesis topics or chosen clinical specialty. Correlations demonstrated significant relationships between graduates' perceptions of research self-efficacy and their interest in clinical research careers.
Descriptors: Medical Students, Self Efficacy, Medical Research, Vocational Interests, Specialization, Scholarship, Case Studies, College Curriculum, Curriculum Evaluation, Social Theories, Comparative Analysis, College Graduates, Gender Differences, Theses, Correlation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ohio
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A