A review of macintosh-based instructional software

Abstract

This paper reviews Macintosh-based instructional software. The programs that are discussed can be used as laboratory exercises for data collection and data analysis, or for computer-assisted instruction. Some suggestions for state-of-the-art software in each of these categories are made along with some comments regarding instructional objectives for each set of programs.Instructional software has changed significantly since the early 1980s when computer-based laboratories were first introduced (Goolkasian, 1985). We have recently upgraded our undergraduate computer laboratory by installing an AppleTalk network with Macintosh IIsi computers and have some suggestions for state-of-the-art instructional software. This review follows in the tradition of Hornby and Anderson (1990) and Butler and Neudecker (1989) by providing some comparative data and, also, updates previous work with a state-of-the-art library of programs for psychology instruction.The programs are compatible with System 7, and run effectively on a Macintosh with a coprocessor, at least 5 MB of memory and an 8Q-MB hard drive. The laboratory functions as a student center for data collection and data analysis, and each piece of software was chosen to meet specific instructional goals. Although the laboratory was developed primarily for students enrolled in Research Methods in Psychology, it is also used for demonstrations in upper division courses (i.e., Sensation and Perception, Physiological Psychology, and Human Cognitive Processes) and by students enrolled in independent research. Table 1 lists suggested software in each of three categories. Laboratory ExercisesThe programs in the first category provide the means by which students can gain "hands-on" experience in dataThis work was supported in part by funds from the foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the State of North Carolina. Funds for the equipment to upgrade the Research Methods Laboratory was provided from National Science Foundation Grant USE-9151966. Correspondence should be addressed to P. Goolkasian, Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223 (e-mail: fpyOOpag@unccvm.bitnet).collection with a wide variety of experimental procedures. Although all of the programs in this category are used for data collection, they differ in the extent to which a laboratory procedure can be modified. Some provide ready-torun exercises (i.e., Experiments in Cognitive Psychology) that follow a contemporary paradigm from the psychologicalliterature while others (i.e., SuperLab) are tool-based and require the user to set up a customized experiment by using a series of interactive menus. The ease with which the software can be modified to customize the laboratory procedure can be an important variable when one is trying to meet specific instructional objectives. For example, ready-to-run programs are useful for providing students with a data-gathering experience in a specific area or with a specific research design. Experiments in Cognitive Psychology,...