Effect of AI Chatbot-Assisted Versus Traditional Case-Based Learning on Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy Students: A Study on Parkinson's Disease

This study aims to examine whether using an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot can enhance occupational therapy students' learning during a case-based activity focused on Parkinson's disease. The research compares two groups of students: one using traditional learning materials, and another using both traditional resources and a conversational AI chatbot. Students in both groups work in teams to analyze the same clinical case and propose assessment and treatment strategies for a hypothetical patient. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the AI chatbot helps improve students' performance in three learning domains: cognitive (knowledge and understanding), affective (empathy and attitudes), and psychomotor (planning and action skills). Students' performance is assessed through a structured written examination. The hypothesis is that students who use the AI chatbot will achieve higher scores, especially in the cognitive and psychomotor domains, compared to those who rely on traditional methods only. The study also examines how students interact with the chatbot and whether they use it to support deeper clinical reasoning. By exploring the role of AI in occupational therapy education, this research seeks to inform future teaching strategies and support the thoughtful integration of digital tools in health professions training.