Computer-based methodology laboratories: 1. An undergraduate course in experimental psychology

Abstract

At West Virginia University, microcomputers are used in the laboratory sections of a conventional undergraduate course on research methods in psychology. IBM-compatible computers and QuickBasic programs are used to duplicate the functions of equipment that is less reliable and, taken collectively, more expensive—equipment such as stimulus projectors, pursuit rotors, timers, and mirror tracing stands. The computer systems increase the speed and efficiency of data collection, reduce errors of procedure and measurement, and implement numerous steps to standardize procedures and limit extraneous influences. As a consequence, uncontrolled variability is minimized, and the opportunity for meaningful research outcomes is maximized. The laboratory can be expanded with software alone, without the expense of additional hardware.