CE289-30 Research Methods in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Introductory description
This module builds on your learning in CE1F2 to offer you the opportunity to further develop the skills needed to critically engage with research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. You will gain an understanding of what research currently exists and where to find it. We aim to prepare you to conduct your own original research at level 6, through facilitating your understanding of research methods, their benefits and drawbacks, and your ability to read and understand current research papers. You will also study the theme of ethics in research and learn how to ensure that your research will be conducted ethically and appropriately. The module also aims to furnish you with the academic skills of preparing for and writing a research proposal and a literature review.
This module includes an element of online learning and an invitation to take part in online discussion groups with your peers.
Module aims
To critically engage with research in the field of counselling and psychotherapy
To learn about a range of methodologies in research
To understand the structure of a research project
To understand aspects of ethical practice in research and to submit a project proposal that conforms to ethical and legal standards
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
A continuing exploration of the current situation in research into counselling and psychotherapy
Preparation for next year’s individual research project, choosing and defining a question appropriate in terms of scope and relevance, selecting an appropriate methodology, and writing a research proposal
Learning how to read, summarise and identify key parts of a research paper
Understanding and evaluating research methods
Selecting appropriate research methods
Understanding ethical practice in research
Literature review construction
Ethics in research
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Describe key components of a research paper
- Explain ethical considerations in relation to conducting research in counselling and psychotherapy
- Evaluate key research methods
- Create a research proposal with coherent rationale and appropriate plan
- Define a suitable research question for personal research
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Research element
Research proposal, research article appraisal
Subject specific skills
Understanding of the context of research in counselling and psychotherapy
Selecting subject-relevant sources and methods
Transferable skills
Library search skills
Academic writing skills
Ability to read and critically appraise a research article
Constructing a research project, refining a question, selecting a methodology.
Understanding ethical practice in research
Writing a research proposal
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 sessions of 1 hour 15 minutes (8%) |
| Seminars | 22 sessions of 1 hour (11%) |
| Tutorials | 2 sessions of 30 minutes (0%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 10 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Private study | 152 hours (76%) |
| Total | 200 hours |
Private study description
reading research articles, personal research journal, study for assignments
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Summary of Research Paper | 50% | 50 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Identify and evaluate key elements of research methodology in a research paper in the field of counselling and psychotherapy |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
|||
| Research Project Proposal | 50% | 50 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Create a formal research proposal in preparation for a research project at level 6 |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
|||
Feedback on assessment
Detailed written feedback relating to criteria for assignments.
In-text comments.
Verbal feedback about research plans via tutorials and seminars
Pre-requisites
To take this module, you must have passed:
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- CE328-30 Independent Research Project
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 3 of UCEA-X1GB Undergraduate Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship
- Year 3 of UCEA-X1GA Undergraduate Person-Centred Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship