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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Psychotherapy Research Inquiry
Module Code NS5078 (ITS) / PST1018 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinatorAlice McEleney
Module TeachersGemma Kiernan
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

This module aims to enable students to develop a critical appreciation and understanding of the process and findings of psychotherapy research, and to apply this knowledge to research and evidence-based practice in psychotherapy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the research process in psychotherapy
2. Appreciate the value of ethical research inquiry
3. Identify and describe a range of both quantitative, qualitative and secondary research approaches
4. Critically review existing evidence in psychotherapy
5. Develop an appreciation of the translation of research knowledge to practice



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Assignment Completion125This is a non contact module for those students who have Ph.D. level qualification in research or equivalent and who can demonstrate competency in psychotherapy research. The workload is engaging with and reviewing resources on Loop and completion of a research proposal that will form the basis for MSc dissertation study.
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

Independent learning
Self directed independent learning accessing Loop for teaching resources.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentResearch Proposal of 2,500 words (90%): Written Research Proposal - 2,500 words. Students write a research proposal that will serve as a basis for their MSc dissertation. The proposal should include the following sections for the proposed study: • Title • Abstract • Aims and objectives • Rationale • Brief literature review • Methodology / research plan, including details of design and procedure; participants; ethical permission/access to research site(s); and data analysis • References • Appendices Powerpoint Research Presentation (10%)100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Loewentha, D & Avdi, E.: 2019, Developments in Qualitative Psychotherapy Research, Routledge, UK,
  • McLeod, J.: 2022, Doing Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 4th ed, Sage, London,
  • McLeod J.: 2016, Using Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Sage, London,
  • McLeod, J.: 2013, An Introduction to Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Sage, London,
  • Tribe, R., & Morrissey, J.: 2020, The handbook of professional, ethical and research practice for psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and psychiatrists, 3rd ed, Brunner-Routledge,
  • Vossler, A. & Moller, N. (eds): 2014, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Handbook, Sage, London,
  • Willig, C.: 2021, Introducing qualitative research in psychology,, 4th ed, McGraw Hill Education, Maidenhead,
  • Anderson, S.K. & Handelsman, M.M.: 2011, Ethics for Psychotherapists and Counselors: A Proactive Approach., Wiley, USA,
  • Aveyard, H.: 2018, Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide, 4th ed, Open University Press,
  • Booth, A., Sutton, A., Clowes, M & Martyn-St James, M.: 2022, Systematic approaches to a successful literature review,, 3rd ed, Sage,
  • Cooper, M.: 2008, Essential Research Findings, Sage, London,
  • McLeod, J.: 2011, Qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy, Sage, London,
  • Timulak, L.: 2008, Research in Psychotherapy and Counselling, Sage, London,
Other Resources

65648, Journal, 0, 'Journal of Psychotherapy Research', 65649, Website, 0, Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR),

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