Background

Learning approaches are the methods a student chooses to learn, being adaptive, influenceable, and modifiable characteristics that are shaped by the combination of motivations and strategies for learning. Two main types of approach are described: superficial and deep, the latter being the most conducive to meaningful learning.

Objective

To determine the type of approach that prevails in family medicine resident physicians of Family Medicine Unit 1, to examine differences between groups and to explore their perceptions in order to provide information that can later be used to improve residency programs.

Materials and methods

Mixed study with sequential explanatory design, cluster sampling. The Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire (RSPQ-2F) was applied, analyzing differences between groups between groups using χ2 test. Subsequently, a semi-structured survey was conducted for qualitative analysis.

Results

A preference for deep approach was found (90.3%) with no differences between groups. Residents mainly report intrinsic motivations, using high hierarchy strategies in Bloom´s taxonomy.

Conclusions

Family medicine residents predominantly prefer the deep approach. The cause of this preference can be explained by motivations of intrinsic origin and the recognition of the usefulness of strategies that favor meaningful learning.