Introductory Psychology

Abstract

The American Psychological Association Board of Educational Affairs Working Group (APA) recommends providing some research experience to undergraduate students in the introductory psychology course. This nationwide survey of introductory psychology instructors explored the frequency of integrated research opportunities in introductory courses, types of research activities included in courses, instructors’ perceptions of the importance of providing research experience, and perceived barriers to integrating research. We found that although few of the introductory courses have a separate laboratory (5%), over 75% of the respondents indicated some manner of research activity in their courses. Most introductory courses included opportunities to read and critique original research, but few psychology programs at institutions of higher learning provided students with hands-on research, APA writing, or data presentation opportunities. Respondents also rated activities such as designing, conducting, and interpreting research as not especially important for introductory courses. Primary barriers to integrating research are logistical in nature.