Medical student characteristics associated with time in study: Is spending more time always a good thing?
John A. Bushnell, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand Published in Medical Teacher, Vol 29(2-3), Mar 2007. pp. 106-110. Journal Abstract Background: Time in study may reflect motivation, but may also reflect inefficient study habits. Purpose: To determine how time in study relates to motivation and study approaches. Methods: A total of 173 fourth- and fifth-year students in a six-year curriculum completed diaries over seven consecutive days. Time studying was correlated with motivation and approaches to study. Results: Time in study correlated with achieving motive, achieving strategy, deep strategy, motivation and planning/organisation. Deep motive correlated with time on assignments. Students who were less certain they wanted to work as a doctor undertook less study activity and spent less time with patients. Students who lacked confidence they would make a good doctor spent more time in non-time-tabled discretionary study but also spent less time with patients. Conclusion: A desire to achieve, certainty of career choice and lack of confidence are associated with time in study. Unconfident students divert their time away from patients. |
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