Acceptance Declaration
Accept
Additional Information
I declare I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program.
Accepted Type
Oral
Category
General Call (Workshop, Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation)
Type
Oral
Sub Type
Education Research
Considered for Poster
yes
Title
Medical students' perspectives of the impact of pimping on their learning experience using a self-determination theory framework
Background/Purpose
Physician preceptors ask questions of learners to gauge knowledge and stimulate learning. "Pimping" is frequently used to describe this questioning process, and the impact on learners is viewed positively or negatively depending on the learner. Using self-determination theory as our framework, we explored medical students' experiences of pimping and its impact on their learning experience from a motivational perspective.
Methods
Medical students from the University of Saskatchewan were invited to engage in individual, semi-structured interviews that explored their experiences of pimping. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Nvivo software. Themes were generated using content analysis.
Results
Nine 1st year students, two 2nd year students and one 3rd year student participated. The majority of participants perceived pimping as a negative experience, describing incidents of condescension, singling out, and intimidation, resulting in lower confidence, embarrassment, and feelings of inadequacy. Two participants felt it was effective and stimulating. Regardless of perception of experience, participants expressed motivation to learn driven by a sense of guilt, shame, desire to impress the preceptor or avoid future embarrassment. Many normalized the experience as "something they need to cope with." Students provided insights into more effective approaches.
Conclusion
Pimping is a common experience for all students. They view it as normal part of the preceptor-student interaction. Pimping either hindered motivation or produced an externally regulated form of motivation, based on avoidance, shame, or performance, rather than goal mastery. Students desire to be challenged but suggest a more respectful approach to support engagement and learning.
Keyword 1
motivation
Keyword 2
pimping
Keyword 3
medical student
Level of Training
Undergraduate
Abstract Themes
Undergraduate
Additional Theme (First choice)
Undergraduate
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Physician & Medical Student Health and Well-being
Authors
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes
