KEMBE

Emotions and Cognitions of Medical Students while evaluating Evidence

What is it all about?

Conflicting evidence and opinions are a part of the scientific discourse. The confrontation with contradicting expert opinions is challenging for medical students (and also medical practitioners). The evaluation of new evidence is often influenced by emotions, cognitions, and personality traits.This is of particular relevance for physicians and medical students because it directly impacts medical counseling and patient treatment. However, there is a lack of research regarding the factors that influence how medical students evaluate evidence and also regarding the promotion of a critical reflexion of these factors.

How does the study work?

The present cross-sectional online questionnaire study aims to analyze how medical students' emotions, cognitions, and personality traits are linked to the evaluation of new scientific evidence. The findings are intended to serve as a basis for developing an innovative teaching and learning concept for reflexive knowledge generation in (general) medicine.

Project partners

Cooperation partners:

Dr. Pascal Frank, assistant professor in ‘Teaching and learning for the development and unfolding of human potential for sustainability’ at the Education and Learning Sciences group of Wageningen University & Research, Niederlande