Simulating the data investigative cycle in less than two hours: Using a virtual human population, cloud collaboration and a statistical package to engage students in a quantitative research methods course

Providing practical and relevant experience with the data investigative process is known to help engage students in quantitative research methods courses; however, limited student experience, time constraints, and ethical concerns present serious challenges to this goal. Recent advances in technology may provide innovative solutions. This paper reports on the development and implementation of a series of two-hour weekly computer laboratories that simulated the data investigative cycle in a research methods course for psychology students. The technologies included an online virtual human world, known as the Island, cloud collaboration technology and a statistical package. Each laboratory session aimed to engage students in all stages of the data investigative cycle, specifically: stating a problem, planning a study, gathering and analysing data and drawing conclusions. Student feedback from the sessions was overwhelming positive, which highlights the potential of combining innovative technologies to actively engage students in learning research methods and statistics.