Analysis of the implications of collaborative work in terms of performance and satisfaction among students registered in the Data Analysis in Psychology course

Currently the introduction of the European Higher Education Area suggests modifications in teaching and learning strategies adopted by the universities. To achieve this aim, the collaborative work among students has been encouraged. During the past years various studies have demonstrated that the incorporation of collaborative work renders high levels of satisfaction among students, though the results obtained in relation to performance are more modest. The objective of the present research is to determine whether the incorporation of collaborative work, in an intensive way, in the Data Analysis in Psychology course for the academic year 2006–2007 produces an increment in the performance of the students, as well as keeps the high levels of student satisfaction with this course. A sample of 350 registered students in this 2006–2007 academic course was used. The outcome of our study shows a significant increase of students presenting the evaluations and passing the course when compared to those of the previous academic year, as well as the high levels of satisfaction, on the part of the students, with the organization of this course. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2013