A cross-sectional study of chiropractic students’ research readiness using the Academic Self-Concept Analysis scale

Stephney Whillier, Kent Au, Louie Feng, Helen Su

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    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: The shift toward evidence-based health care has reoriented tertiary clinical education in a way that necessitates and incorporates research. This study assesses the inclination and suitability of chiropractic students for research over a 5-year educational program.
    Methods: Research attributes of chiropractic students were assessed in this cross-sectional study using a validated and modified academic self-concept analysis scale. Students in first and final year were assessed in 4 domains: creativity, motivation, self-regulation, and general intellectual ability. Univariable differences were assessed using Welch 2-sample t tests, and multivariable analysis was carried out with multiple linear regression models.
    Results: The response rate was 71% (n = 165). First- and fifth-year students scored highly on all 4 domains (80% to 96%). Compared to first-year students, fifth-year students rated themselves significantly lower in 3 of the domains: general intellectual abilities (t[126] = −2.01; p = 0.047), motivation (t[115] = −4.82; p < 0.001), and creativity (t[136] = −3.00; p = 0.003).
    Conclusion: Research suitability is high in chiropractic students. Both cohorts scored high in all domains despite the disparity between first and fifth years. First-year students outperformed fifth-year students in 3 domains, indicating a potential decline in the inclination to do research over time. However, unaccounted factors, such as the Dunning-Kruger effect, life changes, and “burnout,” may have contributed to these differences. Future studies should include questions about stress, fatigue, clinical orientation, and educational environment to inform the interpretation of findings.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)109-114
    Number of pages6
    JournalThe Journal of Chiropractic Education
    Volume31
    Issue number2
    Early online date2017
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2017

    Keywords

    • Chiropractic
    • Cross-Sectional Survey
    • Education
    • Motivation
    • Research
    • Students

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