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Postgraduate study in the School of Psychology

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MINDFULNESS-BASED APPROACHES:

RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE BASE

This module is suitable for students wanting to understand and evaluate existing research into mindfulness-based approaches and to gain understanding of research methodology in order to do this.  The emphasis will be on research into mindfulness-based approaches in health care settings, but the module is open to those working in other fields.  Students will have the opportunity to gain or further develop research and evaluation skills as a basis for their own research, and/or for use in the MSc/MA dissertation on mindfulness-based approaches. 

Course content

  • The place and importance of research, including the research and evaluation of mindfulness-based approaches, within health care.
  • Familiarisation with different kinds of research and evaluation, mainly covering that used in health care, including methodological issues and research terms.
  • Consideration of the appropriateness of different kinds of research for eliciting information about mindfulness-based approaches.
  • Reading, discussion and understanding of the body of research into mindfulness-based approaches.
  • Consideration of ethical questions: both general questions and those specific to mindfulness-based approaches. Knowledge of the mechanics of getting ethical approval for research, especially in health-care settings. 

Assessment

Assessment will be through written assignments.  These include reviewing and critically appraising research studies into mindfulness-based interventions in health care, both generally, and in an area of the student’s own choice.

Arrangements for the module

No previous knowledge of research methods or research experience is required to take this module.  The teaching process will take account of whether or not students have previous experience of research.  Experience of mindfulness practice is essential, and this can be gained by taking the module ‘Mindfulness-based approaches: Foundation’, either before or alongside this module.  This module may be taken alongside any of the three other taught mindfulness-based modules, or by itself.

The module will be taught over five Sundays spread through the academic year, with an additional day of mindfulness practice on a Friday adjacent to a teaching weekend.