Bernard C. Beins

Using the Barnum Effect to Teach about Ethics and Deception in Research

The Barnum effect was generated to teach students about the ethics of deception in research and the feelings of subjects who are lied to. Students in research methods classes received feedback based on a bogus personality inventory and rated the perceived validity of the interpretations. Students accepted the feedback, although seniors were more skeptical than juniors or sophomores. The class discussed the ethics of deception based on their own reactions to the knowledge that they were deceived. Students agreed that the approach was effective in helping them learn firsthand about the costs and benefits of deception in research.

Best practices for teaching beginnings and endings in the psychology major : research, cases, and recommendations

Introductory and capstone experiences in the undergraduate psychology program are crucial ways to engage students in their major and psychology department, impart realistic expectations, and prepare them for life beyond college. Providing the right orientation and capstone courses in psychology education is increasingly a concern of instructors, department chairs, program directors, and deans, and both types of courses have become important sources for gathering pre- and post-coursework assessment data for degree learning outcomes. The strategies presented here have been designed to help educators examine issues around teaching the introductory or careers course and developing a psychology-specific orientation program. The authors also provide concrete suggestions for building capstone experiences designed to fit the needs of a department, its pedagogical philosophy, or the educational agenda of the college or university. Undergraduate psychology curriculum designers and instructors can benefit from learning innovative and effective strategies for introducing the major to first-year students and, at graduation, for bringing closure, reinforcing the overall departmental learning outcomes, and helping students apply their disciplinary knowledge in capstone experiences and post-graduate life. In this collection of articles, psychology instructors involved in the improvement of teaching and learning review the research and share their own successes and challenges in the classroom. Discussions include effective practices for helping students become acclimated to and engaged in the psychology major, application of developmental knowledge and learning communities to course design, and use of quality benchmarks to improve introductory and capstone courses. Other chapters describe innovations in the design of stand-alone courses and offer concrete advice on counseling psychology graduates about how to use what they have learned beyond their higher education experiences.

A Survey of Computer Use Reported in "Teaching of Psychology": 1974-1988.

During the past 15 years, the computer has evolved from a simple drill-and-practice device to a flexible instrument for teaching psychological concepts and techniques. Readily available commercial and public domain software makes computer technology the choice for many teaching applications. This article surveys computer use and the changing role of teachers in the development of computer applications and introduces the Computers in Teaching section of Teaching of Psychology (ToP).

Using History to Teach Contemporary Psychology.

Gaining a perspective on the evolution of psychological concepts can show students the power of theory and societal perspective in shaping scientific ideas across time. In this article, the author uses two constructs, the broad concept of intelligence and the narrow concept of combat stress reaction, to illustrate how psychologists have grappled with these ideas over the past century. These examples can provide a model for using the history of psychology to explain how ideas have taken their shape. These illustrations also show the difficulty in developing ideas that are scientifically useful and that periodic changes in the conceptualization of ideas are a normal feature of a dynamic discipline.

A Ratio Scale Measurement of Conformity.

Since the seminal work on conformity, there has been a steady stream of research attempting to isolate individual and situational variables that influence its expression. Most previous studies have employed either proportions of participants showing conformity or have used Likert scales to measure changes in conformity as a function of different variables. The current presentation describes the use of a measurement of conformity on a ratio scale as well as several variables that are easily manipulated to assess normative and information factors involved. Two successful attempts at validating the procedure are reported.

Early Tests of Piagetian Theory Through World War II

ABSTRACT Psychologists recognized the importance of Jean Piagets theory from its inception. Within a year of the appearance of his first book translated into English, The Language and Thought of the Child (J. Piaget, 1926), it had been reviewed and welcomed; shortly thereafter, psychologists began testing the tenets of the theory empirically. The author traces the empirical testing of his theory in the 2 decades following publication of his initial book. A review of the published literature through the World War II era reveals that the research resulted in consistent failure to support the theoretical mechanisms that Piaget proposed. Nonetheless, the theory ultimately gained traction to become the bedrock of developmental psychology. Reasons for its persistence may include a possible lack of awareness by psychologists about the lack of empirical support, its breadth and complexity, and a lack of a viable alternate theory. As a result, the theory still exerts influence in psychology even though its dominance has diminished.

Teaching Statistics: Sources

Seven books, six journals, and a web page devoted to material on teaching statistics are reviewed. Sources are ordered from general to technical, and examples illustrative of the content are provided. Keywords: pedagogy; teaching; teaching activities; teaching demonstrations; teaching resources