Use of a Scenario-Based Tutorial to Facilitate Student Proficiency in Social Science Research Methodology and Attitude Toward Research

• In Event: Extreme, Adventure, Scenario, and Game-Based Learning: The Future of Hybrid and Online Education

Abstract

A computerized scenario-based tutorial was created that was designed to scaffold college students’ development of social science research design knowledge. Sixty students participated in a formative study in which they received either text-based instruction, online lecture, or the scenario-based interactive tutorial. A pretest/posttest design was employed to assess students’ knowledge gain and attitude change for the three treatments. Results indicated that the three interventions showed similar effects on knowledge and attitude. Positive perceptions of the tutorial were observed.

Authors

• M Cecil Smith, West Virginia University

• Wei Chen Hung, Northern Illinois University

• Thomas J. Smith, Northern Illinois University