An Interdisciplinary, Computer-Centered Approach to Active Learning

Abstract

This article describes a computer-assisted, interdisciplinary course in decision making developed to promote student participation, critical thinking, and enhanced decision making through the use of interactive experimental paradigms. The course uses Macintosh computers for simple data entry and presentation, for more complex calculations and extended graphics, and for stimulus presentation and data collection. Students experience firsthand 20 psychology and economics exercises that illustrate a range of biases and heuristics known to affect decision making and that allow for examination and evaluation of students’ decision-making tactics.