Work

“Strong Opinions, Loosely Held”: A Renewed Call for Error-driven Learning in Medical Education

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Improving clinical reasoning is a national priority to reduce medical error. This commentary advocates for "strong opinions, loosely held" as a cognitive aid to improve reasoning and retention in medical education. Learners should commit confidently to decisions while remaining open to revision as new evidence emerges. Grounded in prediction error theory, which emphasizes memory retention when expectations are upset, this approach mirrors expert clinician strategies. Case-based curricula can operationalize this by prompting early hypotheses and reassessment. Despite concerns about overconfidence, we view discomfort as natural when transitioning from passive to active learning, ultimately promoting autonomy, improved retention, and deeper engagement.

Source: Medical Science Educator

DOI: 10.1007/s40670-026-02735-2

Authors: Hunter Scott, Brian Devorkin

Institutions: Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University

Language: English

Topic: Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Skills

Subfield: Family Practice

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290