In order to teach scientific principles and methods to non-science oriented majors in an applied area, the project would establish an interdisciplinary course in Psychology and Legal Issues, using a microcomputer laboratory. There has been an increasing use of social scientific reasoning and methodology for understanding legal issues. Many pre-law students receive little if any instruction in the scientific method or any experience conducting research and handling research data, experiences which would ultimately enhance their proficiency as future lawyers. A microcomputer laboratory component containing 20 Apple IIc Micro-systems will be used in a Psychology and Legal Issues course jointly taught by faculty in the Psychology and Political Science Departments and the School of Law. It will provide an interactive and experiential capability for teaching scientific methods and principles to non-science majors. In addition the microcomputer laboratory will enhance the curricula of both the Psychology and Political Science Departments by being available for use in existing experimental and statistical courses.
