Simulation Technique in the Teaching and Testing of Problem-Solving Skills.

This presentation, by an invited speaker at the 46th annual meeting of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, describes simulation techniques used in the medical education program at the University of Illinois. Medical students interact with simulated patients and acquire problem-solving competencies for use in working with patients. Simulation techniques described include a paper and pencil format using latent image or opaque overlay techniques (with feedback systems, a computer format employing unconstrained natural language, a computer-managed robot (SIM I), and live simulations using role playing. The question of validity of performance on a simulation is considered from the perspectives of content or face validity, or construct validity, and of concurrent validity. Evidence from data suggests that, when simulation techniques are properly exploited, these exercises hold considerable promise of being a powerful tool not only for instruction but also for research into the nature of problem solving. (PEB)