ERIC Number: EJ856771
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: N/A
Introducing Students to Psychological Research: General Psychology as a Laboratory Course
Thieman, Thomas J.; Clary, E. Gil; Olson, Andrea M.; Dauner, Rachel C.; Ring, Erin E.
Teaching of Psychology, v36 n3 p160-168 2009
For 6 years, we have offered an integrated weekly laboratory focusing on research methods as part of our general psychology course. Through self-report measures and controlled comparisons, we found that laboratory projects significantly increase students' knowledge and comfort level with scientific approaches and concepts, sustain interest in psychology, and increase critical thinking about psychological research. Implementing a laboratory component in the introductory course increases students' scientific literacy, reinforces psychology's claim to scientific status, encourages active learning, promotes quantitative reasoning, and benefits multiple constituencies. (Contains 3 tables and 3 notes.)
Descriptors: Introductory Courses, Psychology, Psychological Studies, Research Methodology, Laboratories, Curriculum Development, Scientific Literacy, Critical Thinking, Undergraduate Students, Student Attitudes, Student Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A