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| Reviewed: |
Feb 05, 2007 by Psychology |
| Overview: |
This site contains several tutorials as well as a few activities and quizzes related to research methods in psychology. Topics covered include defining theories, different phases of the research process, how to read a journal article, and writing in APA style. |
| Learning Goals: |
After completing the tutorials on this website, the student should be able to describe aspects of a good theory, steps for conducting a research study, different types of research methods, the difference between primary and secondary sources, how to read a journal article, how to use PsycInfo and other search engines, and how to use APA format. |
| Target Student Population: |
Both undergraduate and graduate students in classes dealing with research methods in psychology would profit from this site. These materials might also be useful for advanced high school students who are studying psychology. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
A general understanding of basic research methods would be useful, but is not necessary. |
| Type of Material: |
The site is composed predominantly of tutorials, with a few activities and quizzes. |
| Recommended Uses: |
This material can be used to introduce students to psychology research methods. It might also be used as a brief review for students preparing for the GRE. In addition, instructors could direct students to specific sections or to specific quizzes to supplement materials that they are covering elsewhere. |
| Technical Requirements: |
None. |
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| Strengths: |
The website was created by Dr. Megan E. Bradley, Associate Professor, Frostburg State University. The information is accurate and pedagogically sound. Particularly noteworthy are the use of examples (e.g., of a research study) and clear, useful information on how to search for journal articles. |
| Concerns: |
None, but the user should recognize that the site only approaches the subject matter at a very basic level. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
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| Strengths: |
As a professor interested in student learning, Dr. Bradley has created a website that is an effective teaching tool. Students who visit the site are taken step-by-step through the research process by way of an assortment of tutorials and given the opportunity to apply the concepts addressed in a variety of activities and quizzes. The activities are listed by increasing difficulty level, so that an instructor could determine which would be appropriate for introductory psychology students and which would be more appropriate for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students in a research methodology course. |
| Concerns: |
Because more detailed and complicated aspects of research methods are not covered, the potential teaching effectiveness of this site may be limited. In addition, some of the information provided with respect to finding full-text articles is unique to students at the author's institution. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
The site is easy to use. |
| Concerns: |
As noted, some information is unique to students at the author's institution or within her state, potentially causing confusion for other visitors. |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
There are a few spelling and grammatical errors that appear in the text. |
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