Training the Future: Themes from a Content Analysis of Psychology Research Lab Manuals
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| Title: | Training the Future: Themes from a Content Analysis of Psychology Research Lab Manuals |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Malin K. Lilley, Isabella Castellanos, Anastacia Wicks, Alena Raya, Dawn R. Weatherford, Ho Phi Huynh (ORCID |
| Source: | Teaching of Psychology. 2026 53(1):72-79. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: | 2222219 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Qualitative Research, Laboratory Manuals, Laboratory Procedures, Research Training, Psychological Studies, Guidelines, Undergraduate Study, Student Research, Material Development |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00986283241283057 |
| ISSN: | 0098-6283 1532-8023 |
| Abstract: | Background: Lab manuals help researchers and students share a common understanding of the rules, guidelines, and expectations related to being involved with a research laboratory. However, no formal guidelines direct the creation of lab manuals in psychology. Objective: In this study, we conducted qualitative analyses of 10 psychology lab manuals to provide some broad guidelines for crafting a lab manual that would improve the research experience for undergraduate students. Method: Taking an inductive approach, a team of researchers created codes from the contents of the manuals, and then derived themes from those codes. Results: Themes included lab philosophy and direction, expectations and roles in the lab, communication inside and outside the lab, ethics, preparing for research, conducting research, presenting research, networking, and benefits of undergraduate research. Conclusion: We defined and provided specific examples of each theme for consideration by educators and discussed limitations of our approach. Teaching Implications: Ultimately, these themes could serve as a modest outline from which teacher-scholars can create their lab manuals from scratch or to revise/expand current manuals. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/243CM |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1492690 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Lab manuals help researchers and students share a common understanding of the rules, guidelines, and expectations related to being involved with a research laboratory. However, no formal guidelines direct the creation of lab manuals in psychology. Objective: In this study, we conducted qualitative analyses of 10 psychology lab manuals to provide some broad guidelines for crafting a lab manual that would improve the research experience for undergraduate students. Method: Taking an inductive approach, a team of researchers created codes from the contents of the manuals, and then derived themes from those codes. Results: Themes included lab philosophy and direction, expectations and roles in the lab, communication inside and outside the lab, ethics, preparing for research, conducting research, presenting research, networking, and benefits of undergraduate research. Conclusion: We defined and provided specific examples of each theme for consideration by educators and discussed limitations of our approach. Teaching Implications: Ultimately, these themes could serve as a modest outline from which teacher-scholars can create their lab manuals from scratch or to revise/expand current manuals. |
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| ISSN: | 0098-6283 1532-8023 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00986283241283057 |
