von Karina De Santis
Research Methods is a mandatory module in the Bachelor of Psychology program at the University of Bremen. We investigated the learning approaches used by our students. The data from 84 students show that they use the deep and the strategic more frequently than the surface learning approaches. The older students (≥22 years) learn predominantly deeply while the younger students (<22 years) learn predominantly strategically. Strategic learning is positively related to performance. Research-oriented teaching and assessment may promote the deep learning and the learning approaches depend on age. Restructuring of the curriculum in psychology should focus on strategies that encourage deep learning particularly in the younger students.