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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Research Approaches
Module Code NS5032 (ITS) / PST1002 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinatorAlice McEleney
Module TeachersAisling McMahon
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

This module will assist students to develop and refine their research question and to design a research study that is relevant to psychotherapy. Students will also be helped to become more familiar with some relevant research designs, methodologies and methods. Ethical considerations in research will be addressed and an overview will be offered of the process of applying for ethical approval for a research study.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop and refine a research question, aim(s) and objectives, and a research design
2. Understand the value of critically appraising existing research evidence and knowledge in psychotherapy
3. Have a working knowledge and critical appreciation of a range of research designs and methodologies
4. Have a working knowledge of a range of data sampling, collection and analytic methods
5. Be aware of ethical considerations regarding conducting research with human participants
6. Gain an overview of the process of applying for ethical approval for research



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture12Lectures on the main concepts in the module
Directed learning9Tutor-led in-class large group and small group learning activities
Class Presentation5.5Tutor-led in-class student group presentations
Independent Study68.5Student self-directed research, reading and critical review outside class
Assignment Completion30Student self-directed preparation of literature review or methodology assignment outside class
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

Research design
Understanding and engaging in the process of developing and refining research questions, aims, objectives and designs

Research methodologies and methods
Gaining a working knowledge and critical appreciation of a range of research methodologies and methods

Critique of quantitative and qualitative knowledge claims
Consideration of the strengths and limits of qualitative and quantitative methods and the need for rigour throughout the research process

Ethics in research
Understanding and working with ethical issues and the process of applying for ethical approval for a research study

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentLiterature review OR methodology assignment - 2,500 words. Students write either a literature review assignment or a methodology assignment which relates to their research question and design for their MSc dissertation.100%Sem 2 End
Indicative Reading List

  • Glynis M Breakwell,Jonathan A Smith,Daniel B Wright: 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, 4th, SAGE, 0857022644
  • Dallos, R. & Vetere, A.: 2005, Researching psychotherapy and counselling, Open University Press, Berkshire,
  • Hanley, T, Lennie, C. & West, W.: 2013, Introducing counselling and psychotherapy research, Sage, London,
  • Hart: 2018, Doing a literature review, 2nd ed., Sage, London, 9781526419217
  • John McLeod: 2011, Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 2nd ed., Sage Publications Ltd, London, 9781849200622
  • Carla Willig: 2021, Introducing qualitative research in psychology, 4th ed., McGraw Hill Education, Maidenhead,
  • Robson, C., & McCartan, K.: 2016, Real world research, 3rd ed., Wiley, London, 111874523X
  • Kathryn Roulston.: 2010, Reflective interviewing, Thousand Oaks, Calif; Sage, 1412948568
  • Aveyard, H.: 2018, Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide, 4th ed., Open University Press,
  • Etherington, K.: 2004, Becoming a reflexive researcher: Using our selves in research, Jessica Kingsley,
  • King, N., Brooks, J., & Horrocks, C.: 2019, Interviews in qualitative research, 2nd ed., Sage,
  • Magnusson, E., & Marecek, J.: 2015, Doing interview-based qualitative research: A learner's guide, Cambridge University Press,
  • Timulak, L.: 2008, Research in psychotherapy and counselling, Sage,
  • Tribe, R., & Morrissey, J.: 2020, The handbook of professional, ethical and research practice for psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and psychiatrists, 3rd ed., Brunner-Routledge,
  • Andres, L.: 2012, Designing and doing survey research, Sage,
  • Booth, A., Sutton, A., Clowes, M & Martyn-St James, M.: 2022, Systematic approaches to a successful literature review, 3rd ed., Sage,
  • Punch, K.: 2003, Survey research: The basics, Sage,
  • Sapsford, R.: 2007, Survey research, 2nd ed., Sage,
Other Resources

65647, Additional reading, 0, Additional reading resources will be provided during the module,

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