Implementing and Evaluating a Writing Course for Psychology Majors

Abstract

In this article, I describe Writing in Psychology, a semester-length 3-credit elective course designed to improve students' writing skills, familiarize them with psychology's writing conventions, and teach them American Psychological Association (APA) style. Students produced a case report, a report of an empirical study, a conference abstract, and a literature review. An attitude inventory and tests over grammar and APA style revealed significant precourse versus postcourse improvement, providing evidence that the course can be a valuable addition to the undergraduate curriculum.