Research Mentor Name
Marissa Zhu, PhD
Research Mentor Email Address
marissa.zhu@wayne.edu
Institution / Department
Medical Education
Document Type
Research Abstract
Research Type
medicaleducation
Level of Research
no
Abstract
PURPOSE
This study examined differences in Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) scores between at-risk and non-at-risk medical students and their relationship with USMLE Step 1 outcomes, offering insights into cognitive and emotional factors affecting Step 1 performance.
AUTHORS
Abigail Schuch, Raghav Rajesh, Dr. Marissa Zhu PhD
METHODS
A total of 298 medical students completed the 60-item LASSI questionnaire. Based on academic performance indicators, students were categorized as at-risk (N = 39) or non-at-risk (N = 259). Welch’s t-tests compared LASSI subscales between groups and individual items, while logistic regression, adjusted for MCAT scores, GPA, and End-of-Segment scores, assessed the predictive value of LASSI subscales for passing Step 1.
RESULTS
Non-at-risk students scored significantly better in Test Strategies (p = 0.041) and Anxiety (p = 0.002), with both subscales predicting Step 1 outcomes (p = 0.043 and p = 0.007) for all students. Time Management and Self-testing subscales correlated with Step 1 outcomes in at-risk students (p = 0.003 and p = 0.015) but were not predictive. Item-level analysis revealed that at-risk students more strongly agreed with the statement, “In my opinion, what is taught in my courses is not worth learning” (p = 0.00006) suggesting differences in course value perception.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight the importance of interventions targeting test-taking strategies, anxiety management, and course value perception to improve Step 1 performance. Non-at-risk students demonstrated test-taking strategies and lower anxiety, which were predictive of Step 1 outcomes, while at-risk students perceived courses as less useful, indicating distinct learning behaviors and attitudes.
Disciplines
Academic Advising | Medical Education
Recommended Citation
Schuch, Abigail M.; Rajesh, Raghav; and Zhu, Marissa PhD, "Linking LASSI Scores to Step 1 Outcomes: A Focus on At-Risk Students" (2025). Medical Student Research Symposium. 463.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/som_srs/463