Title:	Qualitative investigation into breadth of repertoire of learning styles displayed by medical students
Principal research question:	Identification of possible factors underlying differences in breadth of repertoire of learning style displayed by medical students.
Background:	The standard clinical course medical students at Cambridge face a marked a transition to more experiential and self directed learning on entering the Clinical School. Since 2001 Honey and Mumford’s Learning Style Questionnaire (LSQ) has been used with medical students at the University of Cambridge’s School of Clinical Medicine. This instrument has been used to construct a breadth of repertoire of learning style index. Differences were found between male and female students. The study aims to explore the factors which may account for the differences in breadth of repertoire of learning styles displayed by the students.
Methodology description:	Qualitative study of factors influencing learning using 2 focus groups: one group comprising students displaying a “narrow” repertoire of breadth of learning style, the other comprising students displaying a “broad” repertoire. Both the focus groups and subsequent analysis of data will be conducted “blind”. The researchers will be unaware of which group is “narrow” and which is “broad”
Sample group description:	Using the approach previously developed, 135 students entering the Clinical School were classified as “narrow”, “mixed” and “broad” in respect of breadth of repertoire of learning style. Students falling into the “broad” and “narrow” categories will be approached to take part in the focus groups. The final group compositions will seek to maintain a gender balance.
Outcome measure description:	Evidence supporting the breadth of repertoire of learning styles index.
Project organisation
Start date:	1st May 2008
End date:	31st December 2020
Contact person:	Dr Thelma Quince
Contact Details:	Primary Care Research Unit Institute of Public Health University Forvie Site, Robinson Way Cambridge Cambs CB2 0SR UK Telephone: (01223) 330364 Fax: 01223 762515 E-mail: taq1000@medschl.cam.ac.uk
References and Publications