Enhancing Introductory Psychology Students' Appreciation of Research: A Multidimensional Scaling Classroom Activity

Abstract

In an attempt to influence students' appreciation of the value of research, the authors introduced a multidimensional scaling activity in a section of introductory psychology. In two consecutive 80-minute classes, 32 students worked in pairs, categorizing 20 crimes on the basis of similarity and coding their partner's responses, and then worked in groups of 4, interpreting a 2-dimensional solution of the pooled data. The students' appreciation of the value of research was assessed at the beginning and end of the course, using a second section of 36 students as a comparison group. It was found that appreciation of research increased significantly in the section that completed the activity. The authors recommend incorporating research activities into introductory courses.