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Methodological Challenges in Studies of Personal and Professional Identity Formation
Jacqueline E McLaughlin1, Kyle T Fassett2, Michael Wolcott3
1University of North Carolina Eshelman, School of Pharmacy, Center for Innovative Pharmacy Education and Research, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Understanding identity formation in pharmacy education is crucial for student success. This commentary addresses research challenges and offers guidance for future studies on personal and professional development.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Education
- Higher Education
- Professional Development
Background:
- Demographic data on pharmacy faculty, staff, students, and trainees are commonly gathered.
- Diverse identities and characteristics significantly shape student experiences and career aspirations.
- Comprehending identity formation is vital for advancing pharmacy education and practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the methodological challenges in researching identity formation within pharmacy education.
- To provide recommendations for researchers focusing on identity development in this field.
Main Methods:
- This is a commentary, reflecting on existing research and methodologies.
- It synthesizes current understanding and identifies gaps in identity formation research.
- It offers insights based on the authors' expertise and observations.
Main Results:
- Research on identity formation in pharmacy education faces specific methodological hurdles.
- There is a need for innovative approaches to collect and analyze identity-related data.
- Existing methods may not fully capture the complexity of identity development.
Conclusions:
- Addressing methodological challenges is key to advancing identity formation research in pharmacy.
- Future research should explore diverse perspectives and employ robust data collection techniques.
- Improved understanding of identity development will enhance support for pharmacy students and professionals.
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