Procedures for generating multiple-choice exams in psychology using the Apple IIe computer and the Applewriter II text editing software are described. The model is simple to use and provides flexibility in sequencing the choice of items from an instructor generated pool. (Author/RM)

The four BASIC programs described can be used to control experiments and facilitate classroom demonstrations and laboratory exercises in human memory, operant behavior, and visual discrimination. (RM)

A technique used in an undergraduate psychology class to reduce student incentives to fake data as they undertook a research project concerning marriage relationships is described. An evaluation of the technique suggested that it works. (RM)

At the beginning of the undergraduate psychology course, students are informed that a comprehensive makeup final will be required of any student who misses any regularly scheduled exam for any reason. The more exams a student misses, the more heavily the comprehensive makeup is weighted. (RM)

To help undergraduate psychology students learn basic concepts in the experimental method, a basketball game is construed as a psychology experiment. Although no formal evaluation of the effectiveness of the basketball analogy as a learning device was conducted, students responded favorably. (RM)

Discusses the "value added" approach to determining the quality of postsecondary educational programs. States that this method, which emphasizes educational gains made by students as a result of their studies, can be a powerful tool for improving teaching and learning when the outcomes are used to influence psychology curricula or departmental…

Reports on a thesis and dissertation supervisory system that includes weekly meetings, task specification, feedback, and incentives. States that regular participants completed significantly more tasks when academic credit depended upon task completion, and that compared with a college-wide control group, a higher percentage of participants…

Raises questions about undergraduate preparation in ethical issues and discusses appropriate paraprofessional roles. Suggests what should be taught, how it might be included in the curriculum, and ways that ethics might be addressed. Stresses the importance of teaching about ethical issues because psychology graduates obtain employment in human…

Reports an assessment of the extent to which research findings in developmental psychology textbooks are known to students with limited psychology training. Concludes that many research results reported in textbooks may already be known to students. Attempts to explain this phenomenon, noting implications for developmental psychology teachers.…

Examines a class project for the study of development across the life span that requires students to interview individuals from different phases of the life cycle and write a paper discussing their subjects' lives in terms of major developmental psychology concepts. Describes student preparation and project evaluation, discussing some potential…

Describes exercises designed to give students experience in using methods of naturalistic observation to quantify behavior. Students construct a coding system of the behaviors observed in a small mouse colony, gather data by instantaneous and focal animal sampling, and use the data to calculate interrater reliability and sequence analysis. (GEA)

Discusses a study in which undergraduate students were asked to describe faculty members to whom they had given their highest and lowest evaluations. Responses suggest that students assign positive personal (and perhaps interpersonal) qualities to the best teachers and give the worst a more impersonal evaluation on class management. (GEA)

Discusses the use of a questionnaire at the beginning of a history of psychology course to assess student knowledge of historical findings, major concepts, and assumptions about the nature of psychology. Responses indicate areas for future course emphases and reveal shortcomings in other psychology courses. (GEA)

Highlighting the importance of precision in recording, analyzing, and interpreting data in experimental psychology courses, the author proposes that students be assigned grades of A or F for the results section of laboratory reports. Papers receiving F's could be resubmitted for reduced grades until they are free of errors. (GEA)

Describes an approach to devising realistic laboratory projects to enhance research training for undergraduates. Students replicate all or part of an experiment from a core article that provides the framework for the research project in terms of scope, method, and reporting. Advantages and limitations of the method are discussed. (GEA)