Medical Students' Attitudes and Motivations Toward Research
Abstract
Introduction: The recent pass/fail scoring change for the USMLE Step 1 exam has significant implications for residency applicants. It is anticipated that research productivity will gain greater importance in the evaluation process. The NRMP provides quantitative data on residency applicants' publications. However, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on their research experience. To support medical students, we aim to understand their attitudes, motivations, and experiences in conducting research.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study among second-year medical students at Eastern Virginia Medical School between October and November 2023. A questionnaire was used to assess students' motivations and perceived barriers towards research in medical school. Students' experiences were assessed on a Likert scale. A Mann-Whitney U test analyzed differences in attitudes and Pearson correlations quantified the relationship between perceived specialty competitiveness and research activity.
Results: Results reveal that out of 68 respondents, 57% reported that the USMLE STEP-1 transition to pass/fail influenced their attitudes about research in medical school. The top motivating factors for conducting research were to be competitive for residency and to differentiate oneself from other medical students. The top barriers were lack of time, mentorship, and opportunities. Perceived specialty competitiveness is correlated with research participation but not with research publication output. There were significant differences in research output by students who indicated interest in internal medicine, general surgery, and otolaryngology. There is no statistically significant difference between genders in motivations and barriers to research, publications, or competitiveness of interested specialties.
Conclusion: The shift to pass/fail scoring in the USMLE STEP-1 exam has impacted MD medical students' attitudes on research, with many considering research output a significant differentiating factor in residency candidacy. The difference in perceived competitiveness is reflected in students' research participation. Findings from this study may inform institutions as they aim to optimize students' research.