ERIC Number: EJ1134562
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Apr
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: N/A
An Active-Learning Approach to Fostering Understanding of Research Methods in Large Classes
LaCosse, Jennifer; Ainsworth, Sarah E.; Shepherd, Melissa A.; Ent, Michael; Klein, Kelly M.; Holland-Carter, Lauren A.; Moss, Justin H.; Licht, Mark; Licht, Barbara
Teaching of Psychology, v44 n2 p117-123 Apr 2017
The current investigation tested the effectiveness of an online student research project designed to supplement traditional methods (e.g., lectures, discussions, and assigned readings) of teaching research methods in a large-enrollment Introduction to Psychology course. Over the course of the semester, students completed seven assignments, each representing a stage of the research process. Students formed hypotheses, tested their hypotheses using data from the class, interpreted their results, generated future directions, created PowerPoint slides summarizing their projects, and presented their results in a poster session. We found support for the hypothesis that the research methods intervention would lead to better performance on a research methods quiz compared to students in a nonintervention section taught by the same instructor. This intervention demonstrated that it is feasible to use project-oriented active-learning techniques to foster understanding of research methods in large classes.
Descriptors: Active Learning, Research Methodology, Large Group Instruction, Instructional Effectiveness, Web Based Instruction, Online Courses, Introductory Courses, Psychology, Student Research, Research Projects, Undergraduate Students, Science Process Skills, Assignments, Hypothesis Testing, Visual Aids, Student Improvement, Intervention, Comparative Analysis, Multiple Choice Tests
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A