NCJ Number
189955
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 281-292
Date Published
August 2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines and discusses the use of a self-contained multimedia training program that allows professionals in the field of drugs and addiction to improve their scientific thinking and reasoning skills.
Abstract
In many domains, scientific research produces new knowledge and insights that are of practical importance. Practitioners in the domains should continually monitor new research developments to anticipate their practical implications or to participate in public debates surrounding the research; however, this often presumes a basic understanding of the applied research methods and the associated scientific reasoning. To support this understanding among professionals, the Open University of the Netherlands developed a multimedia computer simulation program. The program design is based on the principles of experiential learning, problem-based learning, and constructivism. While using domain-specific cases, the computer program focuses on the cognitive aspects of scientific research, emphasizing the strategic decisions, domain-specific choices, and discussions on validity that attend the process of designing and interpreting scientific research. So far, the program has been incorporated in a self-instructive course on neurobehavioral toxicology and addiction. The evaluation of the program concludes that it offers an effective educational means for independent learning, providing freedom and autonomy on the one hand and an effective guidance and support mechanism on the other. Extension to incorporate facilities for collaborative work via the Internet might be the next step. 4 illustrative figures and 14 references