Multivariate Analysis as a Method for Evaluating the Conceptual Perceptions of Korean Medicine Students regarding...

Area of Science:

• Korean Medicine
• Traditional East Asian Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Individual perception of Korean medicine pattern classification varies due to integrated information.
• Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial for clinical guidelines and curriculum development.
• Student viewpoints are important as conceptual differences may originate in college education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dimensional structure of Korean medicine students' perceptions of the phlegm pattern.
• To analyze how educational progression influences conceptual understanding.
• To identify latent variables affecting pattern perception.

Main Methods:

• Multivariate analysis, including multidimensional scaling and factor analysis.
• Survey of 326 Korean medicine students across five year groups.
• Investigation of symptom preference rankings and scores.

Main Results:

• Within-group differences in phlegm pattern perception were smallest for third-year students.
• Perceptual maps showed a linear distribution for most groups, excluding first-year students.
• Factor analysis identified latent variables influencing conceptual characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Third-year students demonstrated the most consolidated understanding of the phlegm pattern.
• Educational progression appears to influence the convergence of conceptual understanding.
• Further research can refine Korean medicine education and clinical practice based on these findings.