Module: Research Inquiry

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Inquiry
Module Code	PST1005 (ITS: NS587)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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

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2. Appreciate the value of ethical inquiry
5. 1
6. 1D75FF04-A628-0001-B72F-DD2113715BD0
7. Distinguish quantitative and qualitative approaches in relation to underpinning philosophy
10. 2
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12. Identify and describe a range of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies
15. 3
16. 1D75FF04-AECC-0001-B129-695B1030A0F0
17. Critically review existing evidence in psychotherapy
20. 4
21. 1D75FF04-ADAC-0001-E84D-574917401C37
22. Develop an appreciation of the translation of research knowledge to practice
25. 5

*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 presentations and feedback
Independent Study	68.5	Student self-directed research, reading and critical review outside class
Assignment Completion	30	Student self-directed preparation of research presentation and written research proposal outside class
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20865	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Alice McEleney	Module Teacher	Gemma Kiernan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	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	90%	n/a
Presentation	Powerpoint Presentation of Research Proposal in Class	10%	n/a

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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Journal, Journal of Psychotherapy Research,
415001: 1, Website of Organisation, Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR),