This module will support you in designing your own research project. You will evaluate different research methodologies and sampling methods, as well as analysing ethical practice related to research within counselling. You will formulate a research question appropriate to your chosen area of counselling along with a rationale and justification for this area of research. This module aims to foster the practical, generic, and personal transferable skills necessary to conduct independent research. You will produce a completed Ethics Approval document that details your research design and includes information about risk assessment, data collection and analysis and ethical issues amongst others. The content of this module will utilise current literature and research to develop research informed practices and a research ready workforce.

Task 1 – Students are required to complete a 2,000 word piece of written coursework (100% weighted) (LO1, LO2, LO3).

Task 2 – Students are required to complete a Research Ethics Form (0% weighted - Pass/Fail) (LO3).

A wide range of teaching and learning methods will be used which may include workshops, discussions, group-work, case studies, role-play, work based learning and individual tutorials. Reflection and reflective practice along with critical thinking will also be a key element of the programme in order to facilitate professional learning and a commitment to further learning. The teaching and learning activities within the programme are organised to facilitate the transfer of specialist knowledge and skills to a variety of counselling contexts and to reduce the practice-theory gap.

1. Develop an achievable set of research project aims and objectives or a research hypothesis and identify the contribution the proposed research will make to counselling through a critical evaluation of literature.
2. Design a research methodology and justify the selection of the chosen research method to achieve the outcomes of the research project.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding and critical appraisal of ethical and methodological issues within the chosen area of counselling research and a proposed strategy for overcoming them.

Library
IT resources including PowerPoints
VLE - SOALR
Core texts

Mcleod, J. (2008). Doing Counselling Research. Sage.
Carmichael, J.M. (2013). Challenges in Counselling Research. Hodder Education
Long, T. (2007). Research Ethics in the Real world. Churchill Livingstone

This module aims to assist you in the formulation of a research question appropriate to your chosen area of counselling study. You will be supported in developing the skills necessary to plan and execute a research project within the time and resources available. You will also be expected to gain an appreciation of the ethical context of research within counselling.