Evaluation of thinking style among medical and dental students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences in academic year of 2016-2017

Introduction: Education and research are two thinking based processes. Nowadays, the main function of educational institutions is evaluated by thinking. This study aimed to determine the dominant thinking styles among medical and dental students of Ilam University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all medical and dental students of IUMS in the academic year of 2016-2017. Data was collected by Sternbergs standard thinking style inventory and a demographic data questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out with the software SPSS 20 using descriptive statistical analysis methods and t-test. Results: In total, 497 students of IUMS participated in the study. Among whom 395 (79.5%) were medicals students and 102 (20.5%) were dental students. The findings showed significant differences between the legislative and executive thinking styles of medical and dental students (P=0.042 and P=0.024 respectively), more specifically, the mean score of legislative thinking style was found to be higher among dental students than that of medical students, and the opposite relation was found in the mean scores of executive thinking style. Comparison of mean scores of thinking style dimensions between medical and dental students showed significant differences in some but not all dimensions. Conclusion: Considering the differences found in thinking styles of medical and dental students and their effects in emergence of unique behavioral and decision-making characteristics in medical and dental students, educational planners and professors should attempt to adjust their teaching methods and professional approach according to students individual features in terms of thinking style and preferences so as to foster the growth and flourish of their thinking, academic, and clinical capabilities. The results of the study showed significant differences between the legislative and executive thinking styles of medical and dental students, also regarding the different dimensions of thinking styles of medical and dental students, some significant differences in some but not all dimensions were reported.