In recent years, Furman University has outfitted most of its psychology laboratories with appropriate scientific equipment and as a result, psychology students now receive thorough training in most areas of scientific psychology. They do not, however, have access to powerful microcomputers for data capture and data analysis. The chief objective of this project is to equip a multi-purpose laboratory with sophisticated microcomputers so that the psychology department can better prepare undergraduates for research. Psychology students will get an intensive introduction to microcomputers in the second course in the major and will build upon this foundation in upper-level courses. The computers will be used in three ways. First, and most importantly, students in the course "Experimental and Statistical Methods" will learn to use computers for collecting and analyzing data from experiments they conduct in the course. Second, advanced majors will use the computers for independent research projects that cover a variety of experimental contexts. Finally, a large number of students will utilize the proposed laboratory to conduct computerized exercises (simulations, classic experimental protocols) that demonstrate phenomena that are discussed in many of the upper-level courses and to analyze data that are collected in these courses. This project will permit the psychology department to complete its goal of equipping the experimental laboratory courses with high quality scientific instruments. The psychology program will be greatly enhanced, particularly for majors and those students who wish to pursue graduate work in research programs.
