This article attempts to demonstrate the applicability of a computer-assisted instruction supported with simulated data in teaching abstract statistical concepts to political science and public affairs students in an introductory research methods course. The software is called the Elaboration Model Computer Exercise (EMCE) in that it takes a great deal of its form from the model based on the pioneering work of Paul F. Lazarsfeld. This article presents EMCE and discusses the impetus of creating this tool for an audience who has a weak foundation of statistics. (Contains 2 notes and 2 figures.)