Current Research Issues in Clinical Psychology
| Module title | Current Research Issues in Clinical Psychology |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSYM232 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 8 | 11 | 0 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module addresses current issues in psychological research methods used in clinical psychology. A series of research seminars and a weekly seminar hour allows for critical appraisal of these seminars, consequently requiring you to compose a number of thought papers on a selection of topics.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to enable you to sample and learn from a wide range of examples of current research within a specific discipline, using the expertise of visiting specialists, Psychology’s academic staff, and advanced postgraduate research students. It aims to develop a critical awareness of the broad range of research methods available in the context of discussion of, and reflection on, larger issues of scientific method. It aims to develop expertise in critical analysis and research design and encourage the communication of ideas in a concise and engaging manner.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Discuss in detail the types of research questions that are being addressed in your specific discipline
- 2. Describe extensively current methods and their applications in your specific discipline
- 3. Summarise at an advanced level the problems that arise in research development across a range of topics
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a range of methodologies
- 5. Adequately relate specific research questions to appropriate methodology
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Engage in advanced critical analysis of research design
- 7. Discuss research with instructors and peers
- 8. Work effectively with others as a member of a group and meet obligations to others
- 9. Undertake independent learning and self-directed study (including good time management and the setting of appropriate deadlines, precise clarification of the aims and expected results of research, library use and website investigation)
Syllabus plan
You will be expected to attend research seminars relevant to your research stream. You will attend regular seminars typically organised for the clinical research group (Mood Disorders Centre (MDC)) and/or the psychedelics research groups; additionally, if relevant to Clinical Psychology, you can attend the social, cognitive and animal behaviour research group seminars or the termly school seminars. These seminars will provide you with an opportunity to hear about and discuss research projects in progress. In follow-up sessions, you will engage in an in-depth group discussion and critical analysis of methods used in the research talks you attended that week. In the seminar, we will set up small discussion groups that work in parallel to ensure that clinical, psychedelic or other talks you attended are covered in our discussions.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 136 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 14 | Research Seminars (7 x 2 hours) |
| Guided Independent Study | 136 | Background Reading |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thought Paper | 1000 words | 1-6,8-9 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar Participation | 10 | Weekly | 1-8 | Oral |
| Thought Paper 1 | 30 | 1000 words | 1-6, 8-9 | Written |
| Thought Paper 2 | 30 | 1000 words | 1-6, 8-9 | Written |
| Thought Paper 3 | 30 | 1000 words | 1-6, 8-9 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thought Papers | Thought Papers | 1-6, 8-9 | By the end of August |
| Seminar Participation | Thought Papers | 1-8 | By the end of August |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The module mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit further assessments based on the table above. The module mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Seminar speakers will provide you with a reading list
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE – Faculty to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 10/07/2023 |
