Helping Students Read Reports of Empirical Research

Abstract

“Reading the Research” is a Web-based interactive learning module designed to help students learn to comprehend and critically evaluate reports of empirical research. The module can be adapted for use with any report of empirical research. Students work through the module, take self-tests for factual knowledge, and discuss critical-thinking questions in an asynchronous discussion group. We conducted a formative evaluation with upper level experimental psychology students and a summative evaluation with introductory students. Students had positive attitudes toward the module and believed it improved their learning. Increased use of the module was also correlated with better learning of the report of empirical research.