STUDENT ANXIETY, ENGAGEMENT AND THE STUDY OF RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS

Adversaries and Allies: Overcoming Personal and Student Anxiety in Research Methods & Statistics

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e522132013-014 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Rose Danek ◽

Jennifer R. Daniels

Keyword(s):

Research Methods ◽

Student Anxiety

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Stepping around the Brick Wall: Overcoming Student Obstacles in Methods Courses

Political Science and Politics ◽

10.1017/s1049096509090519 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 42 (02) ◽

pp. 375-383 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Angela L. Bos ◽

Monica C. Schneider

Keyword(s):

Research Methods ◽

Survey Data ◽

Teaching Methods ◽

Undergraduate Research ◽

Brick Wall ◽

Methods Courses ◽

Student Anxiety ◽

Assessment Technique ◽

Conducting Research ◽

Science Departments

Many political science departments offer, and increasing numbers of them require, undergraduate research methods courses. At the same time, studies cite high levels of student anxiety about such courses. Utilizing survey data from both students who take and faculty who teach methods, we conduct an analysis that compares the barriers students and faculty independently perceive. Next, we share results from our own exploratory assessment technique, which evaluates our success in increasing student confidence with regard to conducting research. Finally, we present specific exercises and assignments which can serve as solutions to student barriers. We argue that conscious reflection as to where students lack confidence and assessment of our efforts allows instructors to approach teaching methods more effectively.

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