A Survey of Computer Use by Undergraduate Psychology Departments in Virginia

Abstract

The various uses of computers in instruction, faculty research, and departmental administration were assessed by a survey of the 36 psychology departments at four-year colleges in Virginia. Complete responses were obtained from 29 schools. The results indicated that many faculty and clerical staff use microcomputers for a variety of purposes, including word processing, statistical analysis, data-base management, and test generation. Students frequently use microcomputers for statistical analysis and word processing. Simulation and tutorial programs are in use at over half of the responding departments. More than 50% of the schools indicated that computer use is required in undergraduate statistics or research courses, and computers are being used in many other courses as well. Apple II computers are the most popular, although IBM and 13 other brands are also being used. Our data may be useful for academic psychologists who need to know how computers are used in psychology programs, and especially for those who are planning to expand their use of computers.