Developing Scientific Literacy in Introductory Psychology

Developing Scientific Literacy in Introductory

PsychologyThe Journal Project

Mary Worden-McGuinness, PsyDIvy Tech NorthwestDe La Garza Campus (East Chicago)

Overview

What is scientific literacy? How does it relate to General

Education? How does this project work? How does it apply to my discipline?

Q & A

What is Scientific Literacy?

NSES definition "the knowledge and understanding of

scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision-making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity" (National Science Education Standards, National Academy of Sciences).

Why is Scientific Literacy Important?

Workers need it Employers want it Higher levels of study require it Being an informed citizen depends

on it It’s part of General Education core It will be assessed later

From Strategic Plan 2010

Integrative/Applied Skills (Workplace Competencies)

Application of technology to tasks Critical thinking Customer contact skills Information use skills Presentation skills Problem recognition–definition–

solution formulation Reasoning (Paulson,

2001)

Relevant General Education Outcomes

1. Demonstrate critical and creative thinking

4. Apply basic scientific concepts in a variety of settings

5. Communicate effectively (written, oral, symbolic forms)

6. Exhibit quantitative literacy 7. Apply Ethical reasoning 8. Demonstrate the acquisition and use of

information

Introducing ideas

First Day: Profile sheet—What is one question you have about psychology?

First chapter homework—What is one topic you would like to study? What method would you use?

First chapter—scientific method Early: show journals; visit virtual

library First exam: design a study (essay)

My Core Scientific Concepts

Scientific method Skepticism Evidence-based Correlation ≠ Causation Types of research (case study,

correlation, experiment) Goals: Description, Explanation,

Prediction, Control

Scientific Method

?

Hypothesis

MethodResults

Conclusion

The Journal Project

Find a peer-reviewed research article

Summarize it

Present findings and propose new area of research

Use technology to help accomplish the task

Samples

Searching Academic Databases: Ivy Tech’s

Virtual Library

link to database search

Scientific Method

?

Hypothesis

MethodResults

Conclusion

Quality of Required Elements

Score Possibleble

Introduction2.5

Hypothesis/Lit Review5

Methods5

Results5

Discussion5

New Study5

Conclusion2.5

Flow, organization5

Grammar, spelling, citation 5

Group Paper (40 points)

Subject: RE:Method paper I gave to my group.   Reply Modify Remove  

Author: W MCreation date: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:54:47 AM EDTDate last modified: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:54:47 AM EDTTotal views: 4  Your views: 3

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Hey, Ladies I just wanted to let you's know that I wasn't finished with my paper; but I just wanted to write down some of the basic methods that I found in our article. By next class I will have more detailed information and use more research terminology. See you's next class .

I did the same thing you did. I wanted to make sure I was on the right path. I am responsible for the conclusion. I  know that I didnot use enough medical terminogly but I asked R to let me know if she needed more info from me.

Subject: RE:Method paper I gave to my group.   Reply Modify Remove  

Blackboard Discussion Posting—minimum of 3 (15

points)

File Exchange - Group Y (5 pts)

2nd part Posted by: C PPosted on: Feb 23, 2009

1st part of Paper Posted by: W RPosted on: Feb 11, 2009  

Group Article Posted by: W R Posted on: Feb 09, 2009

Group Presentation (15 points)

Each group provides a 10-15 minute ppt presentation on their new study

Criteria 1.AG

2.DL

3.NG

4.PS

A. Make commitment to do tasks

B. Do fair share of work

C. Produce acceptable-quality work

D. Actively participate in team

Peer Evaluation (10 points)

Reflection Paper (15 points)

Write an essay reflecting on the process

Experience of working on a team, using technology, searching academic databases, designing a study, etc—pluses and minuses

You will not be penalized for negative comments; be honest, but support your ideas.

Outcomes Improved information literacy-use of

academic search vs. Google Improved scientific literacy:

understanding of professional research including scientific method, peer review, familiarity with data

Improved ability to synthesize information

Technology familiarity: Blackboard, Word and PowerPoint

Openness to future research projects (may help in further study)

GENED Assessment: CAAP

Scientific reasoning Data representations (e.g.,

graphs/charts) Research summary (experimental

design and interpretation of results) Comparing conflicting viewpoints or

hypotheses Understanding, Analyzing,

Generalizing

Applicability Across Disciplines

Business Engineering Accounting Geography Health Careers

Q & A

Sources

Karen Paulson, K. (2001) Using Competencies to Connect the Workplace and Postsecondary Education. New Directions for Institutional Research, 110, Summer 2001.

Ivy Tech Community College General Education Goals, 2007

Ivy Tech Community College Strategic Plan 2010National Science Education Standards, 1996ACT: Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency

(CAAP)