The amount of small-group case-study discussion needed to improve moral reasoning skills of medical students

Acad Med. 1998 May;73(5):521-3. doi: 10.1097/00001888-199805000-00019.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine how much exposure to small-group case-study discussion is necessary to significantly increase moral reasoning skills.

Method: For the classes of 1991-1998 at Texas A&M, using Rest's Defining Issues Test, the authors tested groups of students for moral reasoning skills both before and after the students participated in small-group case-study discussions of medical ethics.

Results: From 960 students asked to participate, the authors collected complete data for 729 students (75.9% response rate). Small-group case-study exposures ranged from 0 to 44 hours. Groups of students exposed to 20 hours or more demonstrated a significant increase in their moral reasoning scores. Groups with less than 20 hours of exposure demonstrated no significant increase in their scores.

Conclusion: This study indicates that moral reasoning skills are teachable and measurable, and that small-group discussion significantly increases moral reasoning skills. Further studies are needed to increase the generalizability of these findings.

MeSH terms

  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / methods
  • Ethics, Medical / education*
  • Humans
  • Moral Development*
  • Morals*
  • Students, Medical / psychology*
  • Texas