Assessing Information Literacy Skills in Dental Students
Author Information
Author(s): Kingsley Karl, Galbraith Gillian M, Herring Matthew, Stowers Eva, Stewart Tanis, Kingsley Karla V
Primary Institution: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Hypothesis
Are first-year dental students proficient in information literacy skills?
Conclusion
The study found that many first-year dental students lack information literacy skills, but targeted training can significantly improve their ability to find evidence-based information.
Supporting Evidence
- 43% of students missed questions requiring evidence-based citations.
- 75.7% of students who preferred Google provided incorrect responses.
- 86.7% of students who used PubMed were able to provide correct responses.
- After a one-hour intervention, nearly all students could find evidence-based materials.
Takeaway
Many dental students don't know how to find good information online, but a short training session can help them learn how to do it better.
Methodology
The study evaluated information literacy skills through assignments and surveys among two cohorts of first-year dental students.
Potential Biases
The study design may have been biased towards younger students due to the convenience sampling method.
Limitations
The study's sample size and diversity were limited, and it did not account for income or socioeconomic status.
Participant Demographics
Students were primarily in their mid- to late-twenties, mostly male (63%) and white (66%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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