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Using a cross section to train veterinary students to visualize anatomical structures in three dimensions *
Author(s) -
Provo Judy,
Lamar Carlton,
Newby Timothy
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of research in science teaching
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.067
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1098-2736
pISSN - 0022-4308
DOI - 10.1002/tea.10007
Subject(s) - covariate , analysis of covariance , spatial ability , psychology , test (biology) , inter rater reliability , mathematics education , section (typography) , variables , covariance , medical education , veterinary medicine , statistics , mathematics , developmental psychology , medicine , cognition , biology , computer science , ecology , rating scale , neuroscience , operating system
A cross section was used to enhance three‐dimensional knowledge of anatomy of the canine head. All veterinary students in two successive classes ( n = 124) dissected the head; experimental groups also identified structures on a cross section of the head. A test assessing spatial knowledge of the head generated 10 dependent variables from two administrations. The test had content validity and statistically significant interrater and test–retest reliability. A live‐dog examination generated one additional dependent variable. Analysis of covariance controlling for performance on course examinations and quizzes revealed no treatment effect. Including spatial skill as a third covariate revealed a statistically significant effect of spatial skill on three dependent variables. Men initially had greater spatial skill than women, but spatial skills were equal after 8 months. A qualitative analysis showed the positive impact of this experience on participants. Suggestions for improvement and future research are discussed. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 39: 10–34, 2002