The Pedagogical Value of Experimental Participation Paired with Course Content

Abstract
This study investigated the educational value of research participation by assessing the accuracy of student perceptions regarding the scientific status and methodology of psychology at 3 times during a semester: during the first week, following introductory and methodology lectures, and at the end of the term. Students' understanding of contemporary psychology and research procedures improved across the term. Findings indicate that students' increased understanding of psychological research procedures may be due to their participation in research in addition to course content.