Overview

This module is suitable for students with or without academic and/or practical research experience, who want to appraise existing research into mindfulness (both quantitative and qualitative) and to undertake research in this field for their MSc or MA thesis. Learning will centre on the evidence base for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as published in the USA, UK and Europe. The emphasis will be on inferential research into mindfulness in health care, but the module is open to those working in other fields. Students will develop a range of research skills including rigorous literature review, research design, and the collection, management, analysis and synthesis, of data, as a basis for developing a research proposal for their MSc or MA Thesis in an area of their choice within the field of mindfulness. Experience of mindfulness practice is essential, and students will gain this by taking the module ‘Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Foundation’, either alongside or before this module.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50% - Attempts to answer the question directly but lapses occasionally into irrelevancies. - Generally accurate but some omissions and errors. - Tends to make assertions without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has a somewhat loose line of argument; gives information that is mostly relevant but often does not explain why it is relevant. - Often relies on the reader to form links between successive parts. - Answer based largely on lecture material or on one or two essential readings. - Descriptive in style and approach, more than analytic.Reasonably comprehensive coverage, indicating generally accurate understanding, based on lecture material and core readings only. Limited critical appraisal. Straightforward research proposal for thesis. -good -60% - All or most parts of the assignment question are answered. - Appropriate and accurate use of language, with very few errors. - Mostly clear line of argument and structure; so relationships between successive parts are generally easy to follow. - Integrates detail into a coherent whole and guides reader to a reasoned conclusion. - Good understanding of the material as demonstrated by a reasonably clear explanation of the issues in question. - Supports most assertions via theoretical justification and/or reference to relevant empirical research, showing evidence of some reading beyond the information given in lecture. - Fairly comprehensive in scope and largely relevant to the topic and issues. - Explanatory in style and approach, with some critical interpretation. - Good range of sources and data and careful use of evidence. Comprehensive and accurate coverage, showing good use of lecture material and core readings, with evidence of some further reading, and demonstrating ability to appraise the evidence scientifically. Shows understanding of research methods applicable to, and the published evidence base for, mindfulness-based approaches. Research proposal for thesis shows some originality and detailed preparation. -excellent -70% - All parts of the assignment question are answered. - Entirely appropriate and accurate use of language. - Exceptionally clear line of argument and structure. - Each stage/section is explicitly and sensibly linked to the previous section and to the overall argument (i.e. clear progression and relevance) - Details integrated into a coherent whole with clear and well-argued conclusions. - Analytical in style and approach - Integrates a wide range of appropriate material and makes relevant connections between different parts of a given course or across different courses. - Critically evaluates the evidence in a logical manner. - Goes well beyond the information given in the lectures (and/or project meetings) - Shows clear evidence of extensive and relevant reading. - Has originality of exposition; the author’s own thinking is readily apparent. Excellent understanding shown of the wider evidence base for mindfulness-based approaches, together with its context in health care and perhaps in other areas. In-depth analysis and insightful scientific appraisal of published research into mindfulness-based approaches are shown. Very comprehensive and accurate coverage, indicating that the student has gone beyond the core and recommended readings and understands the area in depth. Writes coherently with clarity of argument and expression. Originality of ideas and a clear understanding of practical research methodology are shown in research proposal for thesis.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess which research methods and methodologies are appropriate to mindfulness-based interventions.

• Critically appraise existing research into mindfulness-based interventions.

• Develop an inferential research proposal, with appropriate design, and suitable research and analytical methods, for the Mindfulness-Based Approaches MSc thesis. OR Develop a descriptive research proposal, with appropriate design, and suitable research methods, for the Mindfulness-Based Approaches MA thesis.

• Understand research methods and methodologies used within psychology and health care.

• Understand theoretical and practical issues in research, including ethical issues; this includes (for students writing an MSc thesis proposal) the processes of getting ethical approval.