Demonstrating the Effectiveness of an Integrated and Intensive Research Methods and Statistics Course Sequence

Abstract

We developed a two-semester series of intensive (six-contact hours per week) behavioral research methods courses with an integrated statistics curriculum. Our approach includes the use of team-based learning, authentic projects, and Excel and SPSS. We assessed the effectiveness of our approach by examining our students’ content area scores on the area concentration achievement test (ACAT) for psychology students. On average, our students scored significantly higher on the ACAT experimental methods and statistics content areas than the national norm. This intensive approach to teaching behavioral research methods and statistics is effective.