Benefits of Using the Invertebrate Model Organism "C. Elegans" in an Inquiry-Based Laboratory Activity

Autor/in	Kallarackal, Angy J.
Titel	Benefits of Using the Invertebrate Model Organism "C. Elegans" in an Inquiry-Based Laboratory Activity
Quelle	In: Teaching of Psychology, 50 (2023) 1, S.26-31 (6 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0098-6283
DOI	10.1177/00986283211029649
Schlagwörter	Laboratory Experiments; Biology; Psychology; Communication Skills; Scientific Research; Research Skills; Inquiry; Active Learning; Biochemistry; Drug Use; Behavior Patterns; Comparative Analysis; Psychomotor Skills; Writing Evaluation; Writing Skills; Reports; Assignments; Neurosciences; Undergraduate Students; Animals + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Laboratory work; Laborarbeit; Biologie; Psychologie; Kommunikationsstil; Forschungsleistung; Aktives Lernen; Biochemie; Drug consumption; Substance abuse; Drogenkonsum; Psychomotorische Aktivität; Writing skill; Schreibfertigkeit; Abschlussbericht; Berichten; Assignment; Auftrag; Zuweisung; Neuroscience; Neurowissenschaften; Neurowissenschaft; Animal; Tier; Tiere
Abstract	Background: The goals of laboratory experiences include developing knowledge base, research skills, and scientific communication abilities. Objective: The aim was to assess an inquiry-based laboratory activity using the model organism "Caenorhabditis elegans" in relation to learning goals. Method: Students in a "Biopsychology" laboratory course worked in groups to test the effect of various drugs (e.g., nicotine, ethanol, fluoxetine, and melatonin) on "C. elegans" behavior. The activity included literature review, experimental design, and a final lab report. A cumulative final exam included a synaptic communication question related to the content of the activity. Results: Students showed better retention of laboratory-related content compared to other topics from the course, as demonstrated through performance on the final exam and were able to replicate previous research demonstrating effects of drug on locomotion. However, students did not improve writing ability compared to performance on a previous American Psychological Association style lab report. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that using a student-designed, multi-week laboratory assignment in an undergraduate Biopsychology course supports the growth of psychology knowledge and the development of research skills. Teaching Implications: Instructors should consider using the described laboratory activity for biopsychology or behavioral neuroscience classes or consider similarly designed laboratory formats for other courses in Psychology. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01