The module is designed to guide you through the process of carrying out research in Health Psychology, with a view to advancing existing models, theories, instruments, methods, and practice in health psychology through empirical study and through systematic review.

Indicative content: Empirical Study includes applying for ethical approval, designing the research, conducting the research, analysing the resulting data, and writing up the data. The two reports produced should be of publishable quality.

Indicative content: Systematic Review: includes defining topic and search parameters, conducting a search using appropriate databases and sources, and summarising findings from the review. The completed review should be of publishable quality.

You will be supported to conduct your empirical study and systematic review through Advanced Research Methods workshops (22 hours) which will include details on all elements of the research process, from applying for ethical approval, to writing up for publication. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis will be covered.

Support for your empirical study and your systematic review will also be given through individual supervision sessions (14 hours) with your own supervisor and specific guidance from the module leader (6 hours). Supervisors will give tailored support on your submission to the ethics panel, and will provide guidance on your study design, selection of measures, analysis and write up. In some cases your individual supervisor will act as a second reviewer of your qualitative data, and for your quality ratings in the systematic review.

This module is also supported by an annual student conference which you will be expected to attend, and present your work (2 x 6 hours). This conference provides an environment where you will be able to develop skills associated with disseminating your work, such as putting together presentations, speaking clearly to an audience and answering questions.

The remaining independent study (1746 hours) will include extended reading, literature reviews, selecting measures, applying for ethical approval, recruiting participants, data analysis, and write up.

Web based databases to review current relevant literature in electronic database format. Internet access. Thompson library, Resource rooms (Psychology and general in Science Centre). Computer terminals.

You must satisfy these admission requirements: hold an honours degree recognised by the British Psychological Society as offering Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership AND have completed British Psychological Society Stage One training in Health Psychology (a BPS accredited MSc in Health Psychology) at Merit or equivalent.

Breakwell, G. M., Smith, J. A., & Wright, D. (Eds) (2012) Research methods in psychology. (4th Edn.) London: Sage Publications

Clark-Carter D (2010) Quantitative psychological research: The Complete Student's Companion. Hove: Psychology Press.

Michie, S. & Abraham, C. (eds) (2004) Health psychology in practice. Oxford: BPS Blackwell.

Rosenthal R (1991) Meta-Analytic procedures for social research. London: Sage.

Tabachnick B G & Fidell L S (2013) Using multivariate statistics. (6th Edn). New York: Pearson Education.

1. To undertake pure and/or applied research and development at and advanced level, demonstrating skills in: conceptualisation, design, sampling, development, implementation, data collection, data analysis, the evaluation of methods, the discussion of implications of the data in contributing to the development of new ideas, techniques, approaches and the relationship of data to previously published research.
(Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

2. To carry out independent and original research at the forefront of the discipline, which conforms with ethical principles, including those of the British Psychological Society, and communicate the results of the research in a manner which would satisfy peer review and merit publication.
(Enquiry)

3. To review systematically a substantial body of knowledge in an area of health psychology and produce a report of the review of publishable quality for a peer-reviewed journal.
(Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

4. To create and interpret new knowledge through original research and demonstrate competence as an independent researcher.
(Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning)

5. To make informed judgements on complex issues within the field of health psychology research, often in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions effectively.
(Learning)

There are THREE assessments for this module

Qualitative Empirical Study (maximum 8,000 words excluding Appendixes) Weighting 40%.
The study will use qualitative analysis to demonstrate that you have created and interpreted new knowledge through original research. It will be presented in the form of a manuscript written in the format specified by the journal which you have identified in consultation with your Supervisor. Appendices containing information not usually included in published articles but which justify the decisions made in the manuscript and the notes for
contributors of the chosen journal should be included. Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4.

Quantitative Empirical Study (maximum 7,000 words excluding Appendixes) Weighting 40%.
The study will use quantitative analysis to demonstrate that you have created and interpreted new knowledge through original research. It will be presented in the form of a manuscript written in the format specified by the journal which you have identified in consultation with your Supervisor. Appendices containing information not usually included in published articles but which justify the decisions made in the manuscript and the notes for
contributors of the chosen journal should be included. Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4.

Systematic Review (maximum 6,000 words excluding Appendix). Weighting 20%.
You will systematically review a substantial body of knowledge within health psychology (with meta-analysis where appropriate). A manuscript will be presented in the format specified by the journal which you have identified in consultation with your Supervisor. Appendices containing information not usually included in published articles but which justifies the decisions made in the manuscript, further details of data analysis and the notes for contributors of the chosen journal should be included. Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 5.

Both the empirical studies and systematic review will be accompanied by reflective commentaries detailing the processes undertaken, and reflecting on the decisions made during the process of designing, conducting, analysing and writing up each piece of work. (three in total, 3,000 words for each).

All units within the module MUST be passed.

There will be opportunities for formative feedback on one draft of each assessment given by (1) the module leader and then (2) the supervisor.

The module is designed to guide you through the process of carrying out research in Health Psychology, with a view to advancing existing models, theories, instruments, methods, and practice in health psychology through empirical study and through systematic review.

The Empirical Study will require you to apply for ethical approval, design and conduct the research, analyse the resulting data, and write up the data. The two reports produced should be of publishable quality.

The Systematic Review includes defining topic and search parameters, conducting a search using appropriate databases and sources, and summarising findings from the review. The completed review should be of publishable quality.