Rick and others,
I have taught research methods in both formats, i.e., with and without a
lab component.
A few years ago, I taught at a university that offered research methods
as a 4-credit lab course. I typically had my lectures on MWF, with a
lab session on one of those three days. The labs were devoted to
hands-on data collection and analysis. We did several mini-studies
throughout the 15-week semester, illustrating different types of methods
(e.g., survey, experiment with one manipulated IV, etc.) and different
areas of psychology (e.g., cognitive, perception, etc.). In addition,
students took the entire semester to work on independent research
proposals (i.e., studies that would be conducted the next semester). I
simply LOVED that format!
Now, I teach at a college that is on a 10-week term system. I teach a
3-credit research methods course; lectures, no labs. Last year, I tried
to approximate the model to which I was accustomed; that is, I tried to
"jam" several mini-studies into the term, in addition to everything
else. It was draining for me, and somewhat counterproductive for
students. I have since dropped the mini-studies, and I focus on helping
students to develop their research proposals along with teaching the
various methods.
I REALLY miss the lab component! It is valuable in so many
ways...besides the fact that the mini-studies were just a heck of a lot
of fun!
Dr. Barbara Watters
Mercyhurst College
Erie, PA
Rick Froman wrote:
>
> To those of you who teach a Research Methods course:
>
> 1) What percentage of time during the term do you spend in class on
> demonstrations and lab-type data collection and analysis as opposed to
> covering content and principles underlying research methods? This
> does not include out-of-class time spent on projects.
>
> 2) Have you ever taught the course with separate lecture and lab
> components (like the natural sciences do) with maybe one or two
> content-coverage classes during the week and then a lab period? What
> do you think of this schedule?
>
> I will collect all answers and summarize for the list.
>
> Rick
>
> Dr. Rick Froman
> Psychology Department
> Box 3055
> John Brown University
> Siloam Springs, AR 72761
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> http://www.jbu.edu/sbs/psych
> Office: (501)524-7295
> Fax: (501)524-9548
>
> "The plural of anecdote is not data."
>
> - Roger Brinner, Economist, Data Resources International
