Helper, J. W. (1959). On the teaching of experimental psychology. American Psychologist, 14(10), 638-641.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0048794
Criticisms point up the necessity of a new approach to experimental psychology. It is contended that "the primary functions of the laboratory should be (a) to stimulate and develop the creative talent of the student, (b) to give the student meaningful research experience, (c) to develop a general research orientation in the student… . The new content and goals of the experimental course require some changes in the teaching procedure, especially in the manner in which the laboratory is conducted… . The laboratory should… have a minimum of preplanned and formalized procedures." The laboratory should utilize the ideas and interests of students. The final part of the article describes a course based on the concepts indicated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)