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ERIC Number: EJ683157
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Feb-1
Pages: 5
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: N/A
The Challenge to Cumulative Learning: Do Introductory Courses Actually Benefit Advanced Students?
Nathanson, Craig; Paulhus, Delroy L.; Williams, Kevin M.
Teaching of Psychology, v31 n1 p5-9 Feb 2004
Previous research has questioned the educational value of taking introductory courses in psychology. Study 1 confirmed the usual null to negative associations between taking introductory psychology and performance in a subsequent psychology course. Study 2 showed that, after controlling for IQ, there was actually a positive association between taking introductory psychology and performance on a psychology knowledge pretest, which, in turn, was positively associated with course performance. Partial correlation analyses suggested that the apparent disadvantages of introductory psychology are an artifact of self-selection. Specifically, although taking introductory psychology provides beneficial knowledge, the choice to take the course may indicate a maladaptive scholastic style-possibly antiscientific mindedness. We recommend advertising psychology courses more properly as science-oriented to avoid misleading potential students.
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Journal Subscription Department, 10 Industrial Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262. Tel: 800-926-6579 (Toll Free); e-mail: journals@erlbaum.com.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A