How learners learn: A new microanalytic assessment method to map decision-making.

Background: Microanalytic techniques have shown considerable potential as avenues for understanding learning in a range of learning contexts. If a microanalytic approach is to be tested for utility, a suitable learning context is required. We chose problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials as our context.

Variation in personality traits of medical students between schools of medicine.

Introduction: While there have been studies exploring the impact of personality on medical student selection and performance there has not been an investigation of the personality of students at different schools.

Method: Demographic data and responses to the NEO measure of personality traits were collected from medical students in the first two weeks of their enrolment (2011) in seven medical schools in Australia. Personality traits were analysed by school features, gender and age using logistic regression.

Role of personality in medical students' initial intention to become rural doctors.

Objective: Recent efforts to redress the deficit of rural medical practitioners have considered the problem of recruitment and retention of rural doctors as one of influencing individuals' career choices. Exposure to rural medical environments during basic medical training is one long-standing example of an initiative aimed in this direction and there is some evidence that it is effective. This study sought to determine whether or not various domains of personality are related to medical students' attitude to practising as rural doctors after graduation.

Intern culture, internal resistance: uptake of peer review in two Australian hospital internship programs.

Objective: To compare the uptake of peer review among interns in mandatory and voluntary peer-review programs.

Population: All first and second year graduates (n=105) in two Australian hospitals.

Main Outcome Measures: Completion of peer review, and reported responses by doctors to peer review.

Assessment of a peer review process among interns at an Australian hospital.

Purpose: This study considered how a peer review process could work in an Australian public hospital setting.

Method: Up to 229 medical personnel completed an online performance assessment of 52 Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) during the last quarter of 2008.

Results: Results indicated that the registrar was the most suitable person to assess interns, although other professionals, including interns themselves, were identified as capable of playing a role in a more holistic appraisal system.