ERIC Number: EJ1032873
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Jul
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0098-6283
EISSN: N/A
Debating Curricular Strategies for Teaching Statistics and Research Methods: What Does the Current Evidence Suggest?
Barron, Kenneth E.; Apple, Kevin J.
Teaching of Psychology, v41 n3 p187-194 Jul 2014
Coursework in statistics and research methods is a core requirement in most undergraduate psychology programs. However, is there an optimal way to structure and sequence methodology courses to facilitate student learning? For example, should statistics be required before research methods, should research methods be required before statistics, or should statistics and research methods be taught in a combined, integrated fashion? In this article, we first review the current empirical evidence on whether there is a preferred format and sequencing of methodology courses to enhance student learning outcomes. Then we summarize an assessment study conducted at our own institution comparing a nonintegrated, two-course sequence that required statistics before research methods and an integrated, two-course sequence in which students shifted in an out of research methods and statistics units during each semester on short-term and long-term student outcomes. Our results revealed that students enrolled in the integrated sequence not only earned higher course grades in each of their initial methodology courses but also scored higher on senior exit assessments of their methodology skills taken at the end of their undergraduate careers.
Descriptors: Statistics, Methods Courses, Core Curriculum, Undergraduate Students, Psychology, Curriculum Design, Student Evaluation, Quasiexperimental Design
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2814
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A