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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Research
Reference SSM303 Version 1
Created May 2020 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved June 2020 SCQF Points 15
Amended ECTS Points 7.5

Aims of Module
To enable the student to gain an increased understanding of unconscious processes that develop between researchers and their research topic.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Critically appraise knowledge and understanding of the types of research which have been of value in psychotherapy.
2 Critically explore how change and outcomes using subjective and/or objective outcome measures can be understood
3 Demonstrate a clear ability to conduct research in the consulting room as a form of 'self-reflective practice'.
4 Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and to modify practice accordingly.
5 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the applications of qualitative epistemology to Psychodynamic Counselling especially reflexivity, hermeneutics, phenomenology and critical realism.

Indicative Module Content
Critical reflection over several theoretical concepts of Psychodynamic theory will be used to develop the student's own research proposal by developing a research question(or hypothesis); supported by an up to date literature review (full-text journal articles, peer-reviewed articles); selecting appropriate collection and appropriate tools for analysis of data such as descriptive (indexes, standard deviation); inferential statistics (observable errors; sampling variation) its relevance in the broader commissioning culture; its application to Psychodynamic thinking and practice; and the importance of a self-reflective, critical approach in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in clinical practice.

Module Delivery
A range of learning and teaching approaches and environments will be used, including: key lectures, interactive research presentations, tutorials and workshops; student presentation of clinical material, key reading.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours N/A 35
Non-Contact Hours N/A 115
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL N/A 150
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Description: 4000 Word (+/- 10%) research proposal identifying one of the following methods: systemic review; case study, or a phenomonlogical approach relating to the student's own clinical practice. Alternatively the student can propose another research method but this will need to be negotiated and agreed with the Research supervisor. The proposal will have to be submitted for ethical approval with Gant Chart before the assignment is considered complete.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
A Grade D or above must be achieved to achieve a module pass.
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A A
B B
C C
D D
E E
F F
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of PgDip Human Relations and Counselling
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
Students should maintain their supervised Counselling practice while undertaking this module. Ongoing supervised practice as a Psychodynamic Counsellor. There is a requirement of an 85% attendance rate in this module.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Finlay, L. and Evans, K. eds., 2009. Relational-centred research for psychotherapists: Exploring meanings and experience. John Wiley & Sons.
2 Lowenthal, D. and Winter, D. eds., 2018. What is psychotherapeutic research? Routledge.
3 Roth A and Fonagy P 2005 ( 2nd ed) What Works for Whom? Second Edition A Critical Review of Psychotherapy Research, Guilford Press
4 Bondi L and Fewell J (2016) Practitioner Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy: The Power of Examples, Red Globe
5 Saks M and Allsop J (2019, 3rd ed) Researching Health, Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods, Sage

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781