Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Generation‑dependent non‑educational characteristics of medical students

Authors

Azarmidokht Firoozjahantighi 1
Fariba Jowkar
Fariba Haghani 2

1 Medical Education, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Professor, Medical Education, Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Educational centers accommodate people of varying generations. Indeed, each
generation has its specific priorities and values that affect its performance and decisions in various
aspects, including educational aspects. Understanding the traits of members of a given generation
facilitates understanding how their performance can be improved inside and outside the classroom.
So, this study was designed to identify the non‑educational characteristics of MD students in the
universities of medical sciences in Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study adopted a qualitative exploratory approach.
Data were collected through face‑to‑face, semi‑structured interviews. Participants included general
medicine students who had completed at least one semester. Sampling was purposive with maximum
variation. Sampling was continued until data saturation, and a total of 32 interviews were conducted.
Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis approach was adopted to analyze the data. Lincoln and
Guba’s reliability criteria were used to achieve the accuracy and reliability of the data.
RESULTS: A total of 32 students were interviewed (n = 18 women and n = 14 men; age range:
19–27 years). The participants had completed 2–13 semesters and had between one and six siblings.
A total of 10 major categories emerged as the generational traits of students. The main categories
included devoted parents, money as the key reference of value, non‑sexism, religious perplexity,
experiencing oneself with others, my life’s address, tunnel vision, evasion from responsibility, winning
fame, and I and nothing else.
CONCLUSION: For them, gender and religion have lost their former meaning and they believe
in more freedom. They are also one‑dimensional people, lethargic and night people, who evade
responsibility and have a strong desire to be seen, approved, and respected. They also prioritize
themselves and their peace of mind. Since these characteristics can have many direct and indirect
effects on various aspects of their lives, including the educational aspect, it can be very beneficial
for people interacting with them to identify and consider these characteristics.

Keywords

Generation
generational characteristics
MD students
non‑educational
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 11
December 2022
Pages 1-9

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