Strategies that enhance student engagement during the teaching of statistics in psychology programs

Abstract

The profession of psychology is based on the principles of scientific investigation and analysis. However, students in psychology programs generally rate the study of research methods and statistics low on indicators such as relevance and interest. This paper will examine some methods that have been used to enhance student engagement and learning during a first year statistics course. The use of on-line and in-class computer-based interactive exercises can illustrate statistical concepts such as sampling, regression, and hypothesis testing in a novel way. A data gathering questionnaire completed in the first class can also provide raw data of interest to students for illustrative purposes throughout the course. Finally, using student-relevant and discipline-relevant examples of statistical concepts with the odd funny photo thrown in can maintain student attention during lectures. Evaluation of these approaches indicates that each can play a role to promote student learning and engagement in statistics courses for psychology students.