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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Research Inquiry
Module Code NS587 (ITS) / PST1005 (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 research paradigms and underpinning philosophy of science, and to begin to apply this knowledge to research, evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence in psychotherapy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate the value of ethical inquiry
2. Distinguish quantitative and qualitative approaches in relation to underpinning philosophy
3. Identify and describe a range of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies
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
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 presentations and feedback
Independent Study68.5Student self-directed research, reading and critical review outside class
Assignment Completion30Student self-directed preparation of research presentation and written research proposal 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

Inquiry as everyday
Identification of areas of life where inquiry occurs ‘naturally’

Inquiry and evidence based practice
How research contributes to practice and vice versa

Philosophy of quantitative research
The nature of science and scientific inquiry

Philosophy of qualitative research
The nature of intrepretivism, theory induction and critical analysis

Quantitative approaches
Experimental design, quasi- experimental design, survey design

Qualitative approaches
Grounded theory, phenomenology, interpretative phenomenological analysis, ethnography

Research ethics
Malefience, beneficience, autonomy and justice

Critical reviewing
Systematic approaches to critiquing a research paper

Theory/research/practice triad
The theory practice gap, the process of translation, confidence and adaptation in clinical settings

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWritten 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 • Appendices90%n/a
PresentationPowerpoint Presentation of Research Proposal in Class10%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.: 2013, An Introduction to Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Sage, London,
  • McLeod, J.: 2022, Doing Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 4th ed, Sage, London,
  • Vossler, A. & Moller, N. (eds): 2014, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Handbook., Sage, London,
  • 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,
  • McLeod J.: 2016, Using Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Sage, London,
  • Timulak, L.: 2008, Research in Psychotherapy and Counselling, 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,
  • Willig, C.: 2021, Introducing qualitative research in psychology, 4th ed, McGraw Hill Education, Maidenhead,
  • Smith, J & Nizza, I.E.: 2022, Essentials of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, 1st, American Psychological Association,
Other Resources

65645, Journal, 0, Journal of Psychotherapy Research, 65646, Website of Organisation, 0, Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR),

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