Teaching psychology and research through problem-based learning: Effects on students' psychological needs

The purpose of this study is to test the effect of a problem-based learning session (PBL) on the satisfaction of the three psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. Eighteen French 5th-year senior students in psychology (post-graduating students) participated in a PBL session and in a more conventional course (regular lecture). Following each session, the participants completed a questionnaire evaluating need's satisfaction. The results indicate a positive effect of the PBL on the satisfaction of autonomy, though we observe no difference between both teaching methods for competence and relatedness. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in the light of the self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2002). (C) 2017 Societe Franyaise de Psychologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.