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 research. Indicative content includes applying for ethical approval, designing the research, conducting the research, analysing the resulting data, and writing up the data for publication. The final report will be written up as a journal article.

Ethical Approval (determined by type of approval) Weighting 10%
You will be required to provide evidence of ethical approval obtained from the appropriate ethics panel prior to data collection. (Learning outcome 2)

Empirical Study (maximum 10,000 words excluding Appendixes) Weighting 60%
The study will demonstrate that you have created and interpreted new knowledge through original research. It will be presented in the form of an academic manuscript written in the format specified by the journal (including journal guidelines on word limit), which you have identified in consultation with your supervisor. Either qualitative or quantitative analytical techniques may be employed (or both). Appendices containing information not usually included in published articles but which provide evidence for the decisions made in the manuscript and the notes for contributors of the chosen journal should be included alongside ethical approval. (Maps to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4)

Reflective Commentary (maximum 3,000 words) Weighting 20%
The journal article will be accompanied by a reflective commentary detailing the procedures undertaken and reflecting on the decisions made during the process of designing, conducting, analysing, and writing up the study, alongside dissemination plans. (Maps to learning outcome 5)

Conference Oral Presentation (15 minutes) Weighting 10%
You will be required to deliver a 15-minute presentation (including 5 minutes answering audience questions) on your health psychology research or practice. This will be presented at the Annual Staffordshire University Health Psychology Conference. (Maps to learning outcome 4)

There will be opportunities for formative feedback on one draft of the journal article and ethics form given by (1) the module leader and then (2) your supervisor. There will also be opportunities for formative feedback on a 3-page plan of the reflective commentary and oral presentation by the module leader and a full draft by your academic supervisor. Supervisors will give tailored support on your submission to the appropriate ethics panel(s), and will provide guidance on your study design, selection of measures, analysis and write up and conference presentation.

You will be supported to conduct your empirical study through interactive seminars (16 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 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 and conference presentation. In some cases, your individual supervisor will act as a second reviewer of your qualitative data. Module leaders will focus on the methodological aspects and data analysis but can provide guidance at all stages if appropriate.

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 (1182 hours) will include extended reading, literature reviews, selecting measures, applying for ethical approval, recruiting participants, data analysis, and write up.

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

2. 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, Communication

3. Create and interpret new knowledge through original research and demonstrate competence as an independent researcher.
Analysis,Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning

4. Make informed judgements on complex issues within the field of health psychology research, often in the absence of complete data, and clearly communicate their health psychology research and practice effectively.
Learning, Communication

5. To critically reflect upon the empirical study, including providing rationale for decisions made, plans for dissemination and opportunities for continuing professional development.
Reflection

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. Web-based databases to review current relevant literature in electronic database format, SPSS, Qualtrics, nVivo, internet access, library, resource rooms, supervision space.

Breakwell, G. M., Wright, D., & Barnett, J. (Eds.). (2020). Research methods in psychology (5th Ed.) Sage Publications.

Braun, V., & Clarke, B. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. Sage Publications.

Clark-Carter, D. (2018). Quantitative psychological research: The complete student's companion (4th Ed.). Psychology Press.

Dempster, M. (2011). A research guide for health and clinical psychology. Palgrave Macmillan.


Willig, C. (2013). Introducing qualitative research in psychology: Adventures in theory and method (3rd Ed.). Open University Press.

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 1 training in Health Psychology (a BPS accredited MSc in Health Psychology) at a Merit.

The module is designed to guide you through the process of carrying out research in Health Psychology. Sessions will lead you through the processes of applying for ethical approval, designing the research, conducting the research, analysing the resulting data, and writing up the data for publication.