Abstract:

In this paper we present a research project in education with the aim of improving students’ attitudes and skills in research methodologies. Students involved in this project will use real research data in order to develop a research project in which they will test their own hypothesis using different statistical methods. The purpose is to develop research skill by: A) working in a team, B) using electronic data bases for developing their theoretical background, C) definition of the study objectives, D) variables definition, E) analysis strategies, F) analysis of results, and G) discussion of results. We expect that by following these steps students will show higher proficiency in their methodological skills as well as more positive attitudes toward psychological methods than students not involved in this project. To analyze the results of this educative project a cohort design with pre-post measures will be used.

Note: This research was funded by Grant UV20080565 from the University of Valencia (Projects for Educative Innovation).

Keywords:

innovation, technology, research projects, math anxiety, statistic anxiety, attitudes toward research.