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Can the logic quotient of a 3rd year medical student predict superior clinical reasoning as expressed in a differential diagnosis exercise in an Obstetrics & Gynecology clerkship?
ASL Abstract
OJECTIVE: Identify if an association exists between performance on a validated pure logic screening test and performance on a clinical differential diagnosis exercise.
STUDY DESIGN: The Tobin & Capie Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT) was administered to third year medical students. Their resulting logic score was compared to their blinded, objectively-scored performance on a differential diagnosis exercise assigned in a subsequent Obstetrics & Gynecology clerkship.
RESULTS: The twenty nine logic test results were validated with Pearson’s chi-square test for goodness of fit (p<0.0001). Eleven matched differential diagnosis exercise scores showed a positive correlation (R2=0.52).
CONCLUSIONS: Higher TOLT scores were associated with higher scores on the differential diagnosis exercise.
KEY WORDS: Clinical Reasoning, Logic, Differential Diagnosis
Topics:
2012, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, UME, Assessment,
