The Use of Published Articles With Questionable Conclusions in a Research Methods Course

Reading and critiquing journal articles is a way in which instructors can promote learning and critical thought among students, particularly in the undergraduate research methods course. However, articles that have survived the peer-review process are often lengthy and have only nuanced drawbacks, rendering them less useful for such pedagogical purposes. Students read a series published articles that are brief and have fundamental methodological or other concerns that render their conclusions questionable. After students read each article, the instructor leads a discussion in which students debate the article’s benefits and drawbacks. Assessment indicated that the activities increased students’ understanding of the course material and that students found the activities to be educational and enjoyable