Module overview
This module aims to offer students an opportunity to work within clinical psychology services to develop a research question and implement a project that generates new knowledge in the field of clinical psychology and serves to extend the discipline. As one of a series of research modules, it provides trainees with knowledge and skills to develop proficiency in the HCPC SOP 12.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- think through and implement appropriate methods of data collection to achieve specific research objectives
- write up a research project to disseminate the results to specialised and non-specialised audiences
- Consider how to engage with stakeholders including service users, carers and staff in designing a research project or service evaluation.
- identify relevant research questions, and generate testable quantitative hypotheses or objectives for qualitative research
- analyse data using appropriate qualitative or quantitative techniques
- embed hypotheses in a clear theoretical framework
- Consider issues of diversity particularly when recruiting and writing up a small scale research project
- be familiar with processes around NHS trust and university ethics approval
- demonstrate an understanding of the relevance of theservice evaluations and audits for clinical psychology in practice
Syllabus
This module consists of a small number of group and supervisory and problem solving meetings that aim to support students at all stages in the development of their SSRP. Initial meetings focus on the identification of a research question that is theoretically and empirically justifiable and that is sufficiently specific to allow the generation of one or more testable hypotheses. As the project develops students will be expected to work to take initiative and responsibility in moving the project forwards (to identify participants and appropriate measures, to think through the project at a procedural level, to generate data and analyse it appropriately and to understand the clinical implications of the project).
Students will work independently supported by a clinical supervisor in the field and their clinical tutor and the research team at the university.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The study time for this module is split into teaching/supervision hours and independent study. There will be two taught sessions, each lasting two hours. Sessions are organised to introduce the module, problem solve, and deal with specifics of writing up empirical research. You will have support from your clinical supervisor, clinical tutor, and the research director. Individual supervision sessions are by appointment. You will be spending the majority of your time for this module on independent study, reading and interpreting empirical and theoretical research, developing your research question and hypotheses, choosing and implementing appropriate methods, collecting, analysing and interpreting your data, and writing this work up in an academic style. The module assumes basic prior knowledge of research methods equivalent to that provided during the masters year of your doctorate.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Project supervision | 6 |
| Independent Study | 90 |
| Teaching | 4 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Barker, C, Pistrang, N, & Elliott, R (2016). Research Methods in Clinical Psychology: An introduction for Students and practitioners. Wiley, Blackwell: Chichester.
Morley, S. (2018). Single-case methods in clinical psychology. Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Lay communication | 10% |
| Academic poster | 10% |
| Research Paper/Report | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework assignment(s) | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal