2017/04/01 by Philip Baker, Daniel Francis, Abby Cathcart · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Medicine · Psychology · #Problem and Project Based Learning #Innovative Teaching Methods #Higher Education Practises and Engagement #Randomized controlled trial #Critical appraisal #Audience response #Medicine #Medical education #Epidemiology #Psychology #Physical therapy #Alternative medicine #Surgery #Computer science #Internal medicine
paper · doi:10.1177/1010539517700473
openalex publication_date 2017/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
The study's objective was to apply and assess an active learning approach to epidemiology and critical appraisal. Active learning comprised a mock, randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted with learners in 3 countries. The mock trial consisted of blindly eating red Smarties candy (intervention) compared to yellow Smarties (control) to determine whether red Smarties increase happiness. Audience response devices were employed with the 3-fold purposes to produce outcome data for analysis of the effects of red Smarties, identify baseline and subsequent changes in participant's knowledge and confidence in understanding of RCTs, and assess the teaching approach. Of those attending, 82% (117 of 143 learners) participated in the trial component. Participating in the mock trial was a positive experience, and the use of the technology aided learning. The trial produced data that learners analyzed in "real time" during the class. The mock RCT is a fun and engaging approach to teaching RCTs and helping students to develop skills in critical appraisal.