Module: Research Approaches

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Approaches
Module Code	PST1002 (ITS: NS5032)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Lectures on the main concepts in the module
Directed learning	9	Tutor-led in-class large group and small group learning activities
Class Presentation	5.5	Tutor-led in-class student group presentations
Independent Study	68.5	Student self-directed research, reading and critical review outside class
Assignment Completion	30	Student self-directed preparation of literature review or methodology assignment outside class
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11295	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gemma Kiernan	Module Teacher	Aisling McMahon

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Methodology assignment - 2,500 words. Students are required to write a methodology paper related to their research question and design for the MSc dissertation (paper for publication), comprising (1) a critical analysis of the chosen methodology (1,250 words) and (2) a report of the methodology and findings of a small-scale pilot study (1,250 words).	100%	As required

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Research rigour
Recognise the ethical and professional responsibility to uphold research integrity and maintain methodological rigour throughout the research proess

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Glynis M Breakwell,Jonathan A Smith,Daniel B Wright: 2012, Research Methods in Psychology, 4th, SAGE, 602, 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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Additional reading, Additional reading resources will be provided during the module,