Shauna Rohner, Institute of Psychology

This teaching project describes the implementation of and reflection on research-based learning within the Bachelor’s seminar in psychology at the University of Zurich, the “Experimental Psychology Internship” (ExPra). The aim of the ExPra (paralleling that of research-based learning) was to conduct a psychological experiment by experiencing and reflecting on all stages of the research cycle, to acquire a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the research process. A number of didactic and reflection methods were implemented in this teaching project (e.g., research cycle figure, peer-support forum, model papers, expectation and reflection surveys). I additionally focused on supporting the three student needs identified in self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The findings from this teaching project showed that the use of didactic and reflection tools was positively associated with the student learning indicators of autonomy and competence. To enhance the experience of research-based learning in the ExPra, future seminars should incorporate a selection of the preferred didactic and reflection tools. Given the systemic restrictions for the ExPra (i.e., ethical restrictions in clinical psychology, time limitation of one 14-week semester), the biggest challenge for students was the balance between project structure and their decision-making freedom and autonomy. Future ExPra seminars should try to address this issue from the start with more transparent communication about the possibilities and limitations of conducting a research project within the context of the ExPra. Overall, the main aim of facilitating researchbased learning in the ExPra was achieved, with students effectively reflecting on and learning from the research process. Going forward, the findings of this teaching project will be implemented next year to achieve the second aim of ultimately improving the ExPra experience. This documentation provides an overview of the teaching project and a detailed reflection on the experience of implementing research-based learning in the ExPra.