Open AccessNeural basis of nonanalytical reasoning expertise during clinical evaluation
Author(s) -
Durning Steven J.,
Costanzo Michelle E.,
Artino Anthony R.,
Graner John,
Vleuten Cees,
Beckman Thomas J.,
Wittich Christopher M.,
Roy Michael J.,
Holmboe Eric S.,
Schuwirth Lambert
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.309
Subject(s) - subconscious , certification , verbal reasoning , artificial neural network , dual (grammatical number) , computer science , psychology , artificial intelligence , cognition , medicine , neuroscience , pathology , alternative medicine , management , art , literature , economics
Understanding clinical reasoning is essential for patient care and medical education. Dual‐processing theory suggests that nonanalytic reasoning is an essential aspect of expertise; however, assessing nonanalytic reasoning is challenging because it is believed to occur on the subconscious level. This assumption makes concurrent verbal protocols less reliable assessment tools. Methods Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to explore the neural basis of nonanalytic reasoning in internal medicine interns (novices) and board‐certified staff internists (experts) while completing United States Medical Licensing Examination and American Board of Internal Medicine multiple‐choice questions. Results The results demonstrated that novices and experts share a common neural network in addition to nonoverlapping neural resources. However, experts manifested greater neural processing efficiency in regions such as the prefrontal cortex during nonanalytical reasoning. Conclusions These findings reveal a multinetwork system that supports the dual‐process mode of expert clinical reasoning during medical evaluation.