The use of two-dimensional (2D) images is consistently used to prepare anatomy students for handling real specimen. This study examined whether the quality of 2D images is a critical component in anatomy learning. The visual clarity and consistency of 2D anatomical images was systematically manipulated to produce low-quality and high-quality images of the human hand and human eye. On day 0, participants learned about each anatomical specimen from paper booklets using either low-quality or high-quality images, and then completed a comprehension test using either 2D images or three-dimensional (3D) cadaveric specimens. On day 1, participants relearned each booklet, and on day 2 participants completed a final comprehension test using either 2D images or 3D cadaveric specimens. The effect of image quality on learning varied according to anatomical content, with high-quality images having a greater effect on improving learning of hand anatomy than eye anatomy (high-quality vs. low-quality for hand anatomy P = 0.018; high-quality vs. low-quality for eye anatomy P = 0.247). Also, the benefit of high-quality images on hand anatomy learning was restricted to performance on short-answer (SA) questions immediately after learning (high-quality vs. low-quality on SA questions P = 0.018), but did not apply to performance on multiple-choice (MC) questions (high-quality vs. low-quality on MC questions P = 0.109) or after participants had an additional learning opportunity (24 hours later) with anatomy content (high vs. low on SA questions P = 0.643). This study underscores the limited impact of image quality on anatomy learning, and questions whether investment in enhancing image quality of learning aids significantly promotes knowledge development. Anat Sci Educ 10: 249-261. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

Of the seemingly infinite number of learning objects available for anatomy education, which are the best? This simple question has led to two main research thrusts in our lab. The first question examines the relative efficacy of virtual reality models, static images demonstrating key views, and models in learning anatomy. The second looks at whether image quality matters to anatomy education. We have found that simple anatomic models are better than static images, while both simple models and static images are far better than virtual reality models for recall of anatomic knowledge. Further, we have found that the quality of 2D anatomic illustrations does not alter anatomic recall. This presentation will describe the data and cognitive science supporting our results.

Illustrations are critical learning tools in anatomy education. However, evaluation of anatomy image quality is entirely subjective and images display an immense variance in complexity and clarity.The objective of the current study is to determine whether image quality impacts learnability of human anatomy. Undergraduate students with no previous anatomy and physiology background undergo a learning phase where they review two paper‐based instructional modules on independent anatomical material (human hand and eye). There are two versions of each module that vary in image quality, but contain identical text. One version contains low‐quality images the other high‐quality images. The high‐quality images had enhanced visual contrast, label clarity, colour‐coding and consistency in style and anatomical view across images. Immediately following the learning phase, participants are tested on their comprehension of the modules using either 2‐dimensional illustrations or anatomical specimens. Two delayed comprehension assessments are completed 24 and 48 hours later to determine long‐term learning outcomes. We predict higher comprehension scores when material is presented using high‐quality images on both immediate and delayed tests, and on both illustration‐based and specimen tests. Higher quality images will reduce any cognitive demands geared towards identifying and processing critical visual features and structures. As a result, more cognitive resources can be dedicated to consolidating presented information and integrating this new knowledge with pre‐existing information for stable, long‐term learning. This study will help guide medical illustrators to create educational material that maximizes learning.