Knapp, S. (2016). Laboratory Learning in a Research Methods Course: Successes and Challenges. SAGE Open Creative Commons, 1–8.
This study sought to create an effective laboratory environment within a research methods course and to assess students’ perceptions of this approach. The author is from Southern Vermont College, Bennington, USA. The course was cross-listed in the criminal justice, health care management and advocacy, and psychology majors. It involved students completing eight problem-based laboratory projects (details included) in small groups throughout the semester. Students completed a survey at the end of the semester for extra credit. Questions addressed their perceptions of the effectiveness of laboratory learning and cooperative learning, and their thoughts, feelings, and/or observations about working in small groups. Two studies (n=17 and n=20) are reported with improvements made from one semester to the next. Across both samples, students’ responses to laboratory learning were generally positive. Overall, they benefitted from the opportunity to learn from, and to teach their peers. They also felt more comfortable contributing in small groups than speaking up in front of the entire class, and applying the concepts they were learning in class made them feel more competent with the course material. However, groups continued to struggle with social loafing and conflicting personalities among group members. Future research should address these concerns and assess objective student outcomes, such as course grades.