Among the many difficulties beleaguering the communication research methods instructor is the problem of contextualizing abstract ideas. Comprehension of variable operationalization, the utility of the measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, and the visual distribution of data sets are difficult, since students have not handled data.…

The contributors to this special issue all seek to address the challenge of teaching research methods to political science students. This introduction aims to provide a concise framework for the various innovations presented throughout this issue, situating them in the wider literature. Particular emphasis is placed on the factors that distinguish…

In recent times experiential learning attempted to assist student development in almost every field. More specifically regarding business studies, instructors have used experiential learning projects in a variety of ways, depending upon the business function. The described learning project progression holds the potential to be useful to…

Stock car racing has seen tremendous growth in popularity in recent years. We introduce two datasets containing results from all Winston Cup races between 1975 and 2003, inclusive. Students can use any number of statistical methods and applications of basic probability on the data to answer a wide range of practical questions. Instructors and…

In this article, the authors describe a cross course collaborative research project designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate aspects of sociological study that are typically addressed in a compartmentalized course by course manner. They used this approach on two separate occasions. The first involved collaboration between a…

Describes a technique to make multistage cluster sampling easier for students to understand. Explains that students handle concrete objects that are analogous to the sampling units of a multistage cluster sampling procedure. Suggests that this method is inexpensive, easily organized, and stimulates the tactile senses in the learning process. (DK)

Presents methods of using data sets to explain the concepts of ecological fallacy and psychological reductionism to beginning methods students. Includes information on variables, an appendix on data and software sources, and statistical results. Suggests that students will learn the concepts described as well as the principle of uncertainty in…