Module: Advanced Research Skills in Psychotherapy 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Research Skills in Psychotherapy 1
Module Code	PST1028 (ITS: NS616)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	25

Description

The main focus of this module is developing skills in critically reviewing, synthesising and identifying gaps in existing literature in order to inform the development of potential research questions for candidates’ doctoral research work. The module will also facilitate candidates to develop their knowledge and critical appreciation of psychotherapy research paradigms and procedures, including maintaining critical reflexivity and ethical awareness.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to critique the application of different paradigms of research inquiry
2. Demonstrate proficiency in advanced literature searching/reviewing skills (e.g. systematic reviewing) and an ability to critique literature in terms of theoretical positions and research evidence
3. Identify and address the contextual, ethical and quality issues in the planning and carrying out of research project work
4. Critically reflect on the process of practitioner research
5. Critically appraise research literature.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures, and tutor-led large group and small group discussions
Directed learning	8	In-class small and large group work to review and critique tutor-assigned research papers and to engage in peer-review of student draft literature review work
Class Presentation	8	In-class presentations and group feedback
Independent Study	360	Student self-directed literature review searching, reading/critical review of literature, preparation of assignment work and draft work for in-class review, learning of/use of reference management systems and tools, and engagement in tutor-directed reading between classes.
Total Workload: 400

Section Breakdown
CRN	11454	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	PASS/FAIL	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aisling McMahon	Module Teacher	Ray O'Neill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	In-class 20-min presentation	30%	As required
Assignment	Literature review essay (4K words +/- 10%)	70%	Sem 2 End

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

Paradigms of research inquiry
Critically reviewing paradigms of research inquiry within psychotherapy

Reviewing the literature
Systematically searching, reviewing and critiquing literature

Research process
Understanding the steps in developing and planning a research journey, identifying knowledge gaps and research questions

Ethical research
Considering ethical values and practices in accountable, culturally attuned research

Reflexive research
Understanding the importance of reflexivity in research and keeping a research journal and audit trail

Indicative Reading List

Books:

McLeod, J.: 2022, Doing research in counselling and psychotherapy, 4th, Sage,
Robson: 2024, Real world research., 5th ed., Wiley.,
Aveyard, H.: 2023, Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide., 5th ed., Open University Press.,
Castonguay, L. et al (Eds.): 2010, Bringing psychotherapy research to life, American Psychological Association,
Timulak, L.: 2008, Research in counselling and psychotherapy, Sage, London,
Etherington, K.: 2004, Becoming a reflexive researcher: Using our selves in research., Jessica Kingsley,
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,
Hart, C.: 2001, Doing a literature search: a comprehensive guide for the social sciences., Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA,
McLeod, J.: 2011, Qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy., 2nd ed., Sage,
Booth, A., Sutton, A., Clowes, M., & Martyn-St. James, M.: 2022, Systematic approaches to a successful literature review., 3rd ed., Sage,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None