SummaryThis paper describes a strategy for helping students to learn about laboratory and radiological investigations in diagnosis and management, and to make decisions about the use of investigations, taking into account such features as safety, patient comfort and cost. Learning takes place through the use of a programmed text, in which students commit decisions to paper, and then receive feedback on the results of their decisions. Acceptability to students and teaching staff has been evaluated, and future developments of the strategy are outlined.