Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Research & Psychotherapy
Module Code NS591
School School of Nursing and Human Sciences
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Mary Kirwan
Semester 2: Mary Kirwan
Autumn: Mary Kirwan
Module TeacherMary Kirwan
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to social science methodology and the process of developing a research proposal and managing a research project in an ethical manner that is in accordance with professional psychotherapy standards. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills in ethics, research design, literature review, data collection and analysis, interpretation, write-up and dissemination. Students will participate in the following learning activities: lectures, individual and group work exercises, small and full group discussions on the stages of completing a research proposal and ethics committee application. There will also be a library seminar during which students will learn to use the DCU library databases and other resources.

Learning Outcomes
1. Understand and communicate the importance of research as an integrated aspect of the psychotherapy profession
2. Design a research project and apply for ethical approval for their research
3. Understand the ethical issues regarding research with human participants in line with the standards of the psychotherapy profession
4. Undertake a comprehensive literature review pertaining to their research topic, including a critical evaluation of existing research and other materials
5. Apply their understanding of research to professional record keeping and case management
6. Demonstrate how they have used findings from their review of relevant research in their own clinical practise



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars32.5Attending and fully participating fully in one full day and 7 3 hr class seminars per academic year
Independent learning26Sourcing Books and articles from reading list, reading in depth (including note-taking where appropriate) in preparation for participation in class
Independent learning time20Sourcing and reading books and articles, on research topic of
Group work6Students gather in groups of four to discuss material arising out of class lectures
Independent learning time10.5No Description
Independent learning time30Writing of one ‘Research Proposal’ and one ‘Ethics Committee Application’ that demonstrates both accomplishment of learning outcomes and appropriate level of academic writing
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Students will focus on the following topics and/or attend to the following.
The Role of Research within Psychotherapy.

The contribution of research to the development of the psychotherapy profession and practice will underpin student learning. They will be encouraged to develop a research identity that enables them to explore and articulate their own contribution to the field..
The Design of a Research Project.

The systematic process of developing a viable and real world research project will be progressed through the course including the following stages of research design: field and topic identification, development of research questions and hypotheses, data collection methods, data analysis, interpretation and write-up and dissemination..
Research Methodology.

As well as teaching different approaches to research methodology, the course will open up the possibilities of the use of a range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Research with human participants and texts will be considered. Issues of reliability, representivity, validity and reflexivity will inform exploration of the selection of methods appropriate to the central research question(s) or hypothesis(es).
Literature Review.

The practice of systematic, rigorous and critical review of literature will be covered in this section. A session with the subject librarian in DCU will familiarise students with library databases and other resources such as Refworks. A literature review plan will be developed by students in order that they can complete a literature review for their research proposal assessment..
Ethics.

Irish and European Codes of Practice for psychotherapy researchers will be introduced and used to underpin consideration of ethical issues at each stage of the research project (listed above). Ethical dilemmas in research with human participants will be explored. The process of applying to a Research Ethics Committee application will be rehearsed including the different procedures for receiving ethical approval..
Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)Students will produce a 1500 word research proposal outlining a viable project that can be completed within a one year Masters programme. The proposal will have the following structure • Title • Abstract • Central Research Question(s) • Aim(s) and Objectives • Rationale for Study • Literature Review • Methodology, Methods, Sample • Timeline • Ethical Issues • Bibliography50%n/a
PresentationStudents will submit a DCU Research Ethics Committee application form for the above project to a standard that would pass the scrutiny of both the School of Nursing Ethics Committee and the DCU Research Ethics Committee.50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • 0: 5756
  • 0:
Other Resources
702, Databases, PsychINFO Counselling and Psychotherapy Transcripts / Client Narratives and Reference Works, 0, 703, Journals, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology Review Psychotherapy Research, 0,
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
GDPCGDip in Counselling & Psychotherapy
MDPCMSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy
Timetable this semester: Timetable for NS591
Date of Last Revision28-OCT-10
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