Teaching the Use of Computers: A Case Study

Abstract

A course on the use of computers in psychology and the other social sciences is described. The course included an introduction to computers and computing and units on word processing, data analysis, data acquisition, artificial intelligence, and computer-assisted instruction, simulation, and modeling. Each unit incorporated the application of an appropriate program. Students conducted independent research projects using the computer. They evaluated the course very positively, as did the instructor. The major problems encountered in teaching the course related to the diversity of students' backgrounds in computers and in statistics, and to the difficulty of separating technique from content in assigning grades.