Making reasoning visible through process mapping in digitally simulated clinical reasoning assessments

Introduction: Making the processes underpinning students’ approaches to given tasks visible is challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the viability of microanalysis of a digitally simulated clinical reasoning assessment. Methods: Eighty-five second-year optometry students were invited to participate in recall interviews. Through thematic analysis, we constructed a codebook and through microanalysis, process maps were created. Results: The codebook had four themes and 27 codes. The 53 process maps were synthesised to demonstrate decision making. Conclusion: Microanalysis could be used in future studies to explore underlying cognitive processes in digitally simulated clinical reasoning assessment in optometry education.