Using a slightly modified version of the Creighton University survey form, (see SO515 858) this survey (N=145) showed students most valued psychology advisors as sources of career information and least valued the placement center. Compared to the Creighton University results, this study showed a need to increase students' use of all sources of…

Contrary to widely held belief, Watons and Rayner's (1920) experiment with Little Albert is not first reported case of classical conditioning of a child. Their work was preceded by that of Bogen and of Krasnogorskii. Mateer's work either preceded or coincided with Watons and Rayner's. This article clarifies chronology of these early studies of…

Introductory psychology students were graded on four tests using multiple-choice format with explicit option (E-option) to explain their answers. Students preferred E-option format over regular multiple-choice, short answer, essay, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank formats. Use of E-option averaged less than one explanation per test over four…

Reports the results of a study of the relationship between seating position and course grade attained for 141 Introductory Psychology students. Results showed students who occupied the front rows received higher grades than those who sat farther back. Seating density, sitting on an aisle, and sitting in the center of the room were not related to…

This article provides a description of an undergraduate research course with an experimental orientation toward learning research methods. Included are descriptions of both class and individual projects and the skills developed in critical reading, ethical issues, and research design. (JDH)

Describes the use of the jigsaw teaching technique (which requires each member of a small group to provide a key piece of information) in undergraduate psychology laboratory and discussion classes. Results indicate that students evaluate the approach favorably and that their academic performance improves with use of the jigsaw technique. (JDH)

Describes the use of DATAGEN, a BASIC computer program which generates independent and correlated data samples from population parameters specified by the instructor. Maintains that DATAGEN facilitates the demonstration of some fundamental statistical concepts and encourages students to work independently. (Author/JDH)

Multipurpose demonstrations of child development are easy to produce by videotaping children while they interact with parents, siblings, or friends. Unlike commercial films, videotapes without narration allow students to formulate and test their own research questions. This article describes how to use unedited videotapes for laboratories in…

Describes a small-group exercise that allows students to discuss affective and cognitive aspects of puberty. After reading textbook chapter on puberty, students wrote a group letter to a male or female child explaining changes child would encounter during puberty. Procedure increased student knowledge about puberty and made them feel more…

Describes changes made in a general psychology course to encourage greater student responsibility, active participation, and critical thinking. Aims were accomplished by variety of techniques, including having students develop and discuss a list of expectations and responsibilities, requiring students to write their own examination questions, and…

Describes the use of classic psychological experiments taken from scholarly journals in teaching an undergraduate experimental methodology course. Includes suggestions for matching journal articles with common topics and provides questions to facilitate students' understanding of the articles. (Author/JDH)

Reports results of a survey of sample of college catalogs to determine frequency of courses offered on human sexuality. Results showed human sexuality courses are now being offered at 41 percent of American colleges and universities, with 44 percent of the courses being offered through psychology departments. Larger institutions are more likely…

Presents an annotated alphabetical listing of 126 journal citations on the teaching of psychology. A few pre-1985 citations not listed in the seven previously published bibliographies are included. (JDH)

Reviews resources which have a direct bearing on the teaching of undergraduate psychology courses. Includes print materials on teaching introductory psychology, conducting experiments, writing reports, advising students, preparation for graduate school, and periodical literature. Six organizations concerned with providing assistance to psychology…

Urges undergraduate advisors to describe alternatives to traditional "Boulder-model" clinical psychology programs. Maintains that a large proportion of psychology undergraduates are not interested in careers with research responsibilities and, therefore, should be advised of such alternatives as counseling psychology and school psychology. (JDH)