Introduction

Abstract

This section of the handbook deals with learning from various perspectives. The second, third and fifth chapter, dealing respectively with clinical reasoning, medical decision making and critical thinking and appraisal, are closely related to each other. The leading question in studies reviewed in these chapters is how medical students and physicians make and should make decisions about patients. The first chapter is a much broader chapter that primarily focuses on how students acquire medical expertise. The fourth chapter deals with learning and cognitive styles. Each chapter synthesizes research findings, and concludes with implications for future research and educational practice.