GlossaryGuide

Note: this term often used synonymously with fidelity but not all agree these are the same

Etym. realism (n.) 1794, from real (adj.) + -ism; after French réalisme or German Realismus; from Late Latin realis “real.” Meaning “close resemblance to the scene” (in art, literature, etc., often with reference to unpleasant details) is attested from 1856.

Definition

• The ability to impart the suspension of disbelief to the learner by creating an environment that mimics that of the learner’s work environment; realism includes the environment, simulated patient, and activities of the educators, assessors, and/or facilitators (SSH).

• A statement about the similarity of something (a ‘copy’) to something else (the ‘original’) (Dieckmann, Gaba, & Rall, 2007).

• The quality or fact of representing a person, thing, or situation accurately in a way true to life; this enables participants to act “as if” the situation or problem was real.

• Refers to the physical characteristics of the activity, semantical aspects of the activity (theories and conceptual relations – if A happens then B occurs), and/or the phenomenal aspects of the activity (emotions, beliefs, and thoughts experienced).

See also: FIDELITY, FUNCTIONAL FIDELITY, HIGH FIDELITY SIMULATION, HIGH FIDELITY SIMULATOR, IMMERSIVE SIMULATION, PHYSICAL FIDELITY, PSYCHOLOGICAL FIDELITY, SIMULATION FIDELITY