Teaching experimental methodology in a virtual laboratory

The training in experimental methodology is a main topic in teaching psychology. With the objective to experience the logic of experimental research, students are asked to conduct experiments in a experimental laboratory by taking the following steps:

• create hypotheses
• choose and implement experimental treatments
• assign participants according to experimental design principles
• write appropriate instructions
• register experimental data
• analyze data by means of both descriptive and inferential statistics
• integrate experimental results in theoretical contexts
• write reports
• present findings

This kind of training is very expensive; especially costs for rooms and equipment are high. The concept of the virtual experimental laboratory Lab.OR is presented as an economic alternative. This web-based laboratory is designed as a learning-environment which facilitates students to take the same steps in experimental research as in a classic lab. Furthermore, Lab.OR offers all features of an interface for online-research. The technical bases are presented, experiences in using Lab.OR are reported, possibilities and limits of using virtual labs in teaching experimental psychology are discussed.