Module: Advanced Research Skills in Psychotherapy 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Research Skills in Psychotherapy 2
Module Code	PST1031 (ITS: NS619)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	25

Description

This module supports students in refining their research question and designing a research study relevant to the field of psychotherapy. It introduces students to a range of appropriate research methodologies and methods, enabling them to make informed choices about their research design. Ethical considerations are explored in depth, including an overview of the process for applying for ethical approval. The module also addresses strategies for disseminating research findings effectively to both academic and professional audiences.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Complete a methodology and methods paper demonstrating knowledge of the chosen approach. 2. Complete a Research Proposal – outline and provide a rationale for chosen methodology, methods and design, outline ethical considerations and dissemination plan. 3. Develop practical skills in literature review and data collection and analysis. 4. Prepare for ethics application process.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Group work	70	No Description
Independent Study	555	No Description
Total Workload: 625

Section Breakdown
CRN	11457	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	Gemma Kiernan	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Research Paper	1.Prepare a Research Proposal 2. Prepare a Methodology Paper Each weighted 50%. Formative assessment of research proposal through initial presentation of it.	100%	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

Overview and critique of qualitative approaches
This will include Phenomenology (IPA), Narrative Analysis, Discourse Analysis & thematic analysis

Overview and critique of quantitative approaches
This will include Experimental/quasi experimental designs, Survey designs

Overview of mixed methods approaches
Sequential and concurrent designs

Study rationale, design, data generation and analysis
Refining study aims and objectives, selecting appropriate design, participant recruitment, interview skills, descriptive analysis, thematic analysis

Ethics
Content, process and outcome

Communication of research
Writing a doctoral thesis, knowledge exchange and dissemination

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Anderson, S.K. & Handelsman, M.M.: 2011, Ethics for Psychotherapists and Counselors: A Proactive Approach., Wiley, USA,
Andres, L.: 2012, Designing and doing survey research, Sage, London,
Bager-Charleson, S. (Editor) & McBeath, A. (Editor): 2020, Enjoying Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Research, Palgrave McMillan, England,
Booth, A., Sutton, A., Clowes, M. Martyn-St James, M.: 2022, Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review., Sage, London,
Braun, V. & Clarke, V.: 2022, Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide., Sage, London,
Creswell, J.W.: 2021, A Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods Research, Sage, USA,
Harper, D. et al.(eds): 2011, Qualitative Research Methods in Mental Health and Psychotherapy : A Guide for Students and Practitioners, Chapter 11 Discourse Analysis, John Wiley & Sons,
King, N., Brooks.,J. & Horrocks, C.: 2019, Interviews in qualitative research, 2nd ed, Sage, London,
Loewentha, D & Avdi, E.(eds).: 2019, Developments in Qualitative Psychotherapy Research., Routledge, UK,
Magnussen, E., & Marecek, J.: 2015, Doing interview-based qualitative research: A learner's guide, Cambridge University Press, UK,
McLeod, J: 2022, Doing Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy., 4th, Sage, London,
Timulak, L.: 2008, Research in Psychotherapy and Counselling., Sage, London,
Smith, J. & Nizza, I.: 2021, Essentials of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis., American Psychological Association, USA,
Tribe, R., & Morrissey: 2020, The handbook of professional, ethical and research practice for psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and psychiatrists., Brunner-Routledge,
Vossler, A. & Moller, N. (eds): 2014, Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Handbook., Sage, London,

Articles:

Twomey, C., O'Reilly, G., & Goldfried, M. R.: 2023, Consensus on the perceived presence of transtheoretical principles of change in routine psychotherapy practice: A survey of clinicians and researchers., Psychotherapy, 60(2), 219–2, 522108
2017: Leaping-in and Leaping Ahead- A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Being-Responsible in Psychotherapeutic Supervision., Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Journal- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy., 17 (3), 240,

Other Resources

1: Journal, Journal of Psychotherapy Research,
418676: 1, Website, Society for Psychotherapy Research,
https://www.psychotherapyresearch.org/: