Overview

This module will be taught through a combination of lectures introducing the core research theories and computer labs to apply what you have learnt to develop your own research skills.

Topics covered in this module include: • Research and Therapy (Self-Assessment) • Finding Research Literature (Literature Reviews) • Accrediting Sources (Citations and References) • Dissecting Research Articles (Purpose and Structure) • Measuring the Mind (Research Measures) • Investigating the Individual (Samples and Populations) • Primary and Secondary (Systematic Reviews) • Individuals and Extremes (Systematic Case Studies) • Questions and Answers (Questionnaire, Interview, Focus Group Studies) • Recording and Reporting (Observational Studies) Please note that these topics are subject to change dependent on staff availability and the assessed needs of the students

Assessment Strategy

Excellent (A*, A+, A, A-) • Complex and considered use of research skills to address a problem • Comprehensive knowledge of research skills in counselling • Detailed understanding with no factual errors • Critical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas • Novel and innovative originality in approach, interpretation, and voice • Extensive and comprehensive independent research • Logically defended arguments with evidence for all claims • Highly focused and well structured • Excellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression • Correct format in appropriate referencing style

Good (B+, B, B-) • Considered use of research skills to address a problem • Strong knowledge of research skills in counselling • Clear understanding and mostly free of factual errors • Some analysis showing critical evaluation and links between ideas • Novel originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice • Comprehensive independent research from appropriate sources • Coherent arguments with evidence for most claims • Focused and well structured • Good presentation with accurate and appropriate expression • Mostly correct format in appropriate referencing style

Satisfactory (C+, C, C-) • Basic use of research skills to address a problem • Some knowledge of research skills in counselling • Understanding of the main concepts with no major factual errors • Basic analysis showing obvious points of evaluation and links between ideas • Some originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice for part of the work • Some evidence of independent research from appropriate sources • Arguments presented with evidence for the most important claims • Readable structure showing focus at times • Acceptable presentation with appropriate expression • Attempt at correct format in appropriate referencing style with no major errors

If you do not meet the threshold for Satisfactory, then your work will be graded as a Fail. Fail grades vary from Poor (D+, D, D-, E+, E, E-) to Very Poor (F).

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research.

• Find, utilise, and critique appropriate therapeutic research literature.

• Review and evaluate research in counselling with a critical understanding of the value of empirical evidence for therapeutic interventions.

• Understand different qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.