This module is designed to teach you about how to conduct and write up a systematic review of a body of literature. This includes defining the topic and search parameters, deciding on a research question, specifying inclusion and exclusion criterion, conducting a search using appropriate databases and sources (including grey literature), and summarising findings from the review. Teaching will include how to narratively synthesise data and use statistical methods to combine study outcomes (meta-analysis). The module will also cover how to appraise the quality of research using specific tools. The completed review will be written up as a journal article following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

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 (including journal guidelines on word limit), which you have identified in consultation with your supervisor. Appendices containing information not usually included in published articles but which provides evidence for the decisions made in the manuscript, further details of data analysis and the notes for contributors of the chosen journal should be included (6,000 words maximum). Maps to learning Outcomes 1, 2, & 3.

The review will be accompanied by a reflective commentary detailing the procedures undertaken and reflecting on the decisions made during the process of conducting and writing up the review, alongside dissemination plans (3,000 words maximum). Maps to learning Outcome 4.

There will be opportunities for formative feedback on one draft of the review 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 by the module leader and a full draft by your academic supervisor.

You will be supported to conduct your systematic review through interactive workshops (4 hours) which will include details on all elements of the review process, from applying for ethical approval and PROSPERO registration, to writing up for publication. Support for 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 and the module leader will give tailored support on your submission to the ethics panel, and will provide guidance on your search terms, analysis and write up. In some cases your individual supervisor may act as a second reviewer article selection and quality assessment. The remaining independent study (576 hours) will include extended reading, applying for PROSPERO registration and ethical approval, conducting searches, data extraction, quality assessment, data synthesis and write up.

1. 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

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

3. 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

4. To critically reflect upon conducting the review, 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, internet access, library, resource rooms, supervision space.

Boland, A., Cherry, G., & Dickson, R. (Eds.). (2017). Doing a systematic review: A student's guide (2nd Ed.). Sage.

Borenstein, M., Hedges, L.V., Higgins, J.P.T. & Rothstein, H. (2021) Introduction to Meta-Analysis (2nd Ed.) Wiley.

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

Michie, S., & Abraham, C. (Eds.). (2008). Health psychology in practice. Wiley-Blackwell.

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.

This module is designed to teach you about how to conduct and write up a systematic review. This includes defining topic and search parameters, conducting a search using appropriate databases and sources, and summarising findings from the review. The completed review will be written up as a journal article.