Journal article
The applicability of generalisability and bias to health professions education's research
Medical Education, Vol.55(2), pp.167-173
2021
Abstract
Context
Research in health professions education (HPE) spans an array of topics and draws from a diversity of research domains , which brings richness to our understanding of complex phenomena and challenges us to appreciate different approaches to studying them. To fully appreciate and benefit from this diversity, scholars in HPE must be savvy to the hallmarks of rigour that differ across research approaches. In the absence of such recognition, the valuable contributions of many high‐quality studies risk being undermined.
Methods
In this article, we delve into two constructs‐‐‐generalisability and bias‐‐that are commonly invoked in discussions of rigour in health professions education research. We inspect the meaning and applicability of these constructs to research conducted from different paradigms (i.e., positivist and constructivist) and orientations (i.e., objectivist and subjectivist) and then describe how scholars can demonstrate rigour when these constructs do not align with the assumptions underpinning their research.
Conclusions
A one‐size‐fits‐all approach to evaluating the rigour of HPE research disadvantages some approaches and threatens to reduce the diversity of research in our field. Generalisability and bias are two examples of problematic constructs within paradigms that embrace subjectivity; others are equally problematic. As a way forward, we encourage HPE scholars to inspect their assumptions about the nature and purpose of research—both to defend research rigour in their own studies and to ensure they apply standards of rigour that align with research they read and review.
Details
- Title
- The applicability of generalisability and bias to health professions education's research
- Authors/Creators
- L. Varpio (Author/Creator) - Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesB. O'Brien (Author/Creator)C.E. Rees (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityL. Monrouxe (Author/Creator) - Faculty (United Kingdom)R. Ajjawi (Author/Creator) - Deakin UniversityE. Paradis (Author/Creator) - University of Toronto
- Publication Details
- Medical Education, Vol.55(2), pp.167-173
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991005543417407891
- Copyright
- © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd and The Association for the Study of Medical Education
- Murdoch Affiliation
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.14 Nursing
- 1.14.363 Medical Training
- Web Of Science research areas
- Education, Scientific Disciplines
- Health Care Sciences & Services
- ESI research areas
- Clinical Medicine