Students completed surveys at the beginning and end of a sophomore-level course on research and statistics. We hypothesized that the course would produce advances in knowledge of research and statistics and that those changes would be accompanied by more favorable attitudes toward the subject matter. Results showed that knowledge did increase…

A survey of how 17 recent experimental psychology textbooks treated the subject of random assignment of subjects to groups for purposes of experimentation is discussed. Findings indicate that the textbooks generally gave favorable coverage to the practice. Further research might improve this simplistic understanding. (Author/DB)

The purpose of this survey was to identify the statistics texts most frequently used by psychology departments and to see if a typical survey of textbooks used by a partial sample of psychology departments would be accurate in describing the entire sample of departments. Partial returns resulted in a meaningful error. (RM)

Provides an in-class activity that enables students in research methods to learn about survey design and multiple regression. Explains that the students developed questionnaires in order to generate five items, as set in a multiple regression equation, that would best predict a particular outcome. Discusses benefits and drawbacks. (CMK)

A general laboratory course should include projects that familiarize college students with the variety of methods available to the researcher. Described are four research projects that address questions about human behavior by means of experimental, observational, survey, and archival research methods. (RM)

Suggests a classroom activity for teaching psychology students about group norms. Calls upon students to conduct peer surveys about a particular behavior and then to represent approval or disapproval of the behavior graphically. Argues that the activity increases student understanding of survey research methods, the need for controlled research,…

Describes a community-based research project that collaborated with the police department to survey female residents' attitudes toward the role of the police in handling domestic violence cases. Explains that this project provided students with the opportunity to directly experience the research process early in their undergraduate psychology…

Describes an in-class exercise designed to teach basic principles of survey methodology and to educate students about the pervasiveness and problems associated with shyness in college students. Students complete a brief survey on shyness and the instructor summarizes the results for the class as part of a lecture on survey methodology. (MJP)

Describes a six-week project culminating in a student-designed exit survey for graduating seniors. Exit surveys assess a department's strengths and weaknesses in curricula, instruction, and advising. Discusses the students' design and implementation of the survey. Students felt that the project enhanced their critical thinking and research skills.…