Writing Workshops in a Research Methods Course

Abstract

Background Students in research methods courses often engage in the research process and write about their findings in an APA Style report. This process can be intimidating and challenging for students. Objective The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the use of writing workshops in teaching students to write research reports. Method The Writing Workshop Model included pre-writing worksheets, in-class writing, peer review, and self-evaluation. This method was compared to a more Standard Model that included writing instruction and peer review. Results Students under the Writing Workshop Model had higher scores on the research report than those under the Standard Model. The pre-writing worksheets, in-class writing, and self-evaluation were rated higher than the peer review component of the Writing Workshop Model. Conclusions The Writing Workshop Model may be an effective way to provide support for students during the writing process, thereby enhancing the quality of APA Style research reports. Teaching Implications Instructors of psychology courses could consider incorporating writing workshop components such as pre-writing worksheets, self-evaluations, and in-class writing opportunities to support student writing. Although peer review may be helpful, it is generally unpopular among students.