Teaching Observational Research in Introductory Psychology: Computerized and Lecture-Based Methods

In the introductory psychology course, one major goal is to teach that psychology is a science. Course projects that involve data collection can be a way to engage students and to foster an appreciation of the scientific method. Courseware for Observational Research (COR) is a multimedia program des...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Teaching of psychology 1999-10, Vol.26 (4), p.295-297
Main Authors: Kazmerski, Victoria A., Blasko, Dawn G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Computer Software
Computer Uses in Education
Higher Education
Introductory Courses
Lecture Method
Methods
Multiple choice
Observation
Observational studies
Psychological Studies
Psychology
Scientific Methodology
Student Reaction
Student Research
Surveys
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Summary:In the introductory psychology course, one major goal is to teach that psychology is a science. Course projects that involve data collection can be a way to engage students and to foster an appreciation of the scientific method. Courseware for Observational Research (COR) is a multimedia program designed to teach basic methods of observational research. Students in 2 introductory psychology classes conducted observational research projects; 1 class was taught using traditional methods and the other using the “Lessons” component of COR. The class taught using COR showed higher performance on a laboratory-based research report. The 2 classes performed similarly on multiple-choice questions concerning the basic concepts. Both classes reported enjoying the project; however, COR appeared to enhance students' perceptions of the importance of research.
ISSN:0098-6283
1532-8023
DOI:10.1207/S15328023TOP260409