Examine the philosophical underpinnings of research approaches and the challenges of conducting ethically sound and practically relevant research by psychologists within clinical contexts

Overview of qualitative and quantitative research designs, including SPSS

Introduce the critical appraisal of evidence, with reference to standardised appraisal tools such as the CASP

Searching and reviewing the literature

Issues of reliability, validity, and trustworthiness

Issues of research governance and ethics

Research design

Developing a research question

The process of gaining ethical and NHS approval to carry out research

1. Critical Appraisal of a peer-reviewed paper (50% weighted): Trainees will be issued with three peer-reviewed research papers two weeks before the assignment date. Trainees will select one paper and utilise standard appraisal tools and strategies to critically appraise it within the 2-hour invigilated period. Word count, maximum 3,500 [LO 1 ]

2. Research Proposal (Uni Ethics forms, either IPR or Full Ethical Review form) (50% weighted): Trainees will be required to produce and submit, to a satisfactory standard, a draft research proposal on an approved clinical psychology research topic, using a standardised template. There is no word limit for this assignment but trainees are asked to be concise. This proposal will subsequently be sent for scientific and ethical approval by relevant independent bodies e.g., University ethics; NHS Ethical Approval. [LOs 2,3, 4].

There is a formative submission opportunity for the Research Proposal Assignment

In class teaching, comprising group discussions, practical exercises to consolidate learning, small group workshops (depending on need as these will be instigated where trainees feel they need extra support with topics, for example, help with statistics).

Independent study, which will be guided by the research team, along with support offered through individual meetings with the research team to think about research thesis ideas.

1. Make informed judgments on complex issues through appraising, critiquing and reporting on peer reviewed material in a balanced way.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Analysis, Problem Solving, Reflection

2. Conceptualise and design a research proposal on a specific clinical psychological research topic for the generation of new knowledge, application or understanding within the profession.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry, Analysis, Communication

3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the application of ethical issues in conducting psychological research.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Application, Reflection

4. Communicate with and conduct research in respectful collaboration with others, and within relevant ethical and research governance frameworks (e.g., NHS, BPS, HCPC, universities and other statutory regulators).

Communication, Application

A room in which discussion groups can be formed

Computers running statistical software capable of analysing the designs covered in the module

Internet and library resources

Services users and/or carers are involved, where pertinent, in advising trainees on research topics

Darder, A. (2019). Decolonizing Interpretive Research. Routledge.

Denscombe, M. (2019). Research proposals: A practical guide (2nd Ed). Open University Press.¿

Greenhalgh, T. (2019). How to read a paper. (6th Ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.¿¿

Harrison, V., Kemp, R., Brace, N. & Snelgar, R. (2020). SPSS for psychologists (7th Ed.) Red Globe Press.¿¿

Rohleder, P. & Lyons, A. (2015). Qualitative research in clinical and health psychology. Palgrave Macmillan.

Tuhiwai, L. (2021) Decolonizing Methodologies. Zed Books.



There are more recommended texts than this (and resources on Blackboard), but I have just listed a sample of the main ones contained in the module handbook.

This module will extend (from Undergraduate) your knowledge of a range of research methods and analytic tools, as well as offering an opportunity to re-visit more ‘basic’ methods as a refresher. Relevance of research to clinical psychology is woven through all the teaching and learning on this module.

You will be introduced to the critical appraisal of evidence, guided by standardised appraisal tools. A range of research designs and methods will be covered, including qualitative and quantitative designs and research governance.

Consideration will also be given to research management skills and conducting ethical research within the health and social care context, including gaining access to research sites/participants, the process of gaining ethical and NHS approval to carry out research, and preparing effective research proposals. Teaching also includes one-to-one discussions around research thesis topics and methods.¿¿¿¿