[Smoking habits of medical students. Smoking habits of Danish medical students and their knowledge about and attitudes to the tobacco problem].

In 1987, 74 Danish first-year and 90 final-year medical students from Aarhus University participated in a global questionnaire investigation concerning the smoking habits of medical students and their attitudes to the tobacco problem. This investigation was initiated by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. In order to observe particular characteristics or unexpected findings, the Danish percentage replies were calculated and compared with corresponding average figures for the other European medical students and Danish doctors and the normal population.

On making laboratory report work more meaningful through criterion-based evaluation.

The purpose of this work was to encourage students to base their laboratory report work on guidelines reflecting a quality criterion set, previously derived from the functional role of the various sections in scientific papers. The materials were developed by a trial-and-error approach and comprise learning objectives, a parallel structure of manual and reports, general and specific report guidelines and a new common starting experiment. The principal contents are presented, followed by an account of the author's experience with them.

Factors determining residual volume in normal and asthmatic subjects.

We have studied the mechanisms determining the residual volume (RV), by inducing temporary changes in RV through respiratory manoeuvres and bronchodilation. Four asthmatic and 5 normal subjects inhaled placebo, salbutamol, and ipratropium bromide, and performed maximum expiratory manoeuvres after partial and maximal inspiration. RV and static lung pressure-volume measurements were made in each experiment.

Cardiopulmonary response to exercise in patients with neuromuscular diseases.

In order to evaluate the possible effects of respiratory muscle training in patients with neuromuscular disease, we examined the cardiopulmonary response in 13 patients and 17 healthy controls by recording flow volume curves, ECG and alveolar carbon dioxide levels and collecting mixed expiratory air in Douglas bags. The cardiopulmonary response of our patients was not significantly different from that of the controls, and therefore we see no reason to avoid muscle training in patients with such disease.

A device for evaluation of flow recording equipment.

We have constructed a calibration device which simulates a maximum expiratory flow, and which can also be used to determine quantitatively the frequency response and linearity of flow recording equipment. It consists of a pressure chamber full of copper chips serving as a heat exchanger. When inflated to twice the atmospheric pressure, it delivers 8.

Essential features of a criterion-based, integrated examination at Tromsø, Norway.

With data from the first integrated examinations at Stage II in the medical curriculum at Tromsø, Norway, we have found that essay-type sequential case problems may be designed according to the pattern described as 'Patient Management Problems'. In particular, a new 'standardized' morphology problem which is labour-saving and which demands from the respondents general skills of high relevance was created. We also found that the taxonomic level of this comprehensive and integrated examination could be raised by following a few simple suggestion.

Criterion-based open book examinations in physiology.

Analysed data from ten consecutive physiology examinations for medical students at Aarhus University are presented. Each examination comprised one MCQ test and one short-answer test. For both written aids were allowed; both were dominated by items above the recall level.

Is Bloom's Taxonomy reflected in the response pattern to MCQ items?

The purpose of this study was to find out whether taxonomic classification of MCQ items reflected differences in student behaviour. The data from one of this University's official open-book exams, in which students answer sixty MCQ items distributed over twelve content-areas of physiology were examined. The responses from all 153 candidates were then subjected to factor analysis.

Criteria for acceptance of reports in experimental laboratory courses (an examination of the cook-book experiment in physiology and its relation to the scientific process).

The purpose of this paper is to solve a practical problem through a theoretical analysis based on concepts from another scientific field. A new hypothesis emerges from this 'hermeneutical' approach, namely that the criteria derived are a set of useful tools in improving instruction in laboratory course work of the Cook-Book-Experiment type in physiology and related subjects. The hypothesis has been empirically tested only to an extent that deems it worthy of further testing by other teachers.