A Computer-Based Undergraduate Psychology Laboratory

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Six microcomputers equipped as laboratory controlling devices for a new student laboratory facility in the Psychology Department are enhancing and facilitating Skidmore College's instructional capabilities in at least three ways. First, the kind of lab projects and simulations previously possible to conduct in the experimental psychology lab were limited to those that minimized the use of peripheral devices and that lasted for 20 minutes or less. Students received a somewhat distorted view of the kinds of questions psychologists address, and, as a consequence, a distorted view of the range of theoretical issues of concern to psychologists. This new lab facility, therefore, is important for the enrichment of this experimental laboratory course and other advanced courses (e.g., perception, cognition) as well. Over the past 5 years an increasing number of students have engaged in independent research and senior theses. This facility contributes in important ways to the development of their research efforts. Finally, a large number of students will be able to participate in laboratory simulations directly, rather than by indirectly observing another person conduct the simulations. A modest amount of computing equipment with its attendant instrumental interfacing will have a large impact upon the quality of laboratory work available to upper division students in numerous classes and in independent study.