Goal Orientation in Political Science Research Instruction. (22nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anson, Ian G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of political science education. Volume 17(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 403
• Page End: 420
• Publication Date: 2021-12-22
• Subjects: Undergraduate research -- research-based learning -- active learning -- scholarship of engagement; Political science -- Study and teaching (Higher); 320.0711
• DOI: 10.1080/15512169.2020.1791144
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1551-2169

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, scholar-educators have examined a variety of new approaches for teaching research in political science. Many of these inquiries begin with the observation that research activities cause some students to experience trepidation and aversion. The result is often poor performance in courses which assign research. In this project, I review and assess an approach to student research which focuses upon goal-orientation as a determinant of engagement. In doing so, I introduce three strategies for reconsidering goal orientation in the political science classroom. These include client consulting, low-cost survey deployment, and exit polling. These project-based courses are designed to reorient student attitudes toward the research process thanks to the identification of an external audience. Based on a pilot study of a goal-oriented learning experience, results provide suggestive evidence for the benefits of this approach in the undergraduate research setting.