Research Orientation and Design
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MEDS4093 | School of Medicine | 4 | 90 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- MEDS4093
- School
- School of Medicine
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 90
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
This module lays the foundation for the research component of the programme by introducing students to: the most influential study designs used in clinical psychology, theoretical and practical aspects of conducting applied research in healthcare settings, and systematically searching relevant literature to answer specific clinical and research questions. In the first part of the module, students develop a defensible plan for a doctoral-level research project and, acquire the skill of writing formal research proposals for university and/or NHS ethics committees (taking due account of the principles of ethical research and the requirements of the HCPC, BPS, and other bodies as appropriate).
This module also provides students with an opportunity to develop their evidence searching, appraisal, and synthesis skills by undertaking a systematic review of the literature in their chosen area of interest. The systematic literature review results in a doctoral-level publication-ready paper, which generates new knowledge and forms a component of the final research project portfolio (RAP). This module is the first step students take toward the completion of their research project portfolio and submission-ready journal papers.
Relationship to External Bodies: Approved by Health & Care Professions Council. Accredited by British Psychological Society.
Target Students
Students registered on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
Classes
- One 4-hour-30-minute workshop each week for 4 weeks
- One 4-hour-30-minute lecture each week for 9 weeks
Learning in this module is delivered through lectures, student led and tutor led seminars, skills workshops, reflective practice groups, peer supervision, group and individual tutorials, personal study and group learning.
Assessment
- 1% Coursework 1: Assessed by end of Summer Vacation
Assessed by end of summer vacation
Educational Aims
The aim of part one of this module is to equip students to complete doctoral-level research by developing their ability to highlight gaps and inconsistencies in existing knowledge through critical and systematic analysis of relevant literature; utilising that knowledge to formulate suitable research aims, questions, and hypotheses; and learning how to address research questions through manageable, appropriate, and replicable research design.Students are also taught how to plan data analyses using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, while giving due consideration to appropriate methods of dissemination and the possible impact of findings on clinical practice.The module also aims to consolidate and practically apply students’ knowledge of the methodology of systematic literature reviews. The module develops students’ abilities to identify and interrogate appropriate literature sources (including but not limited to electronic databases); identify and refine search strategies; select, obtain, and critically evaluate publications; and synthesise the sourced material into an organising narrative to advance knowledge in the field of clinical psychology.This module is embedded in the context of the core philosophy of the profession of Clinical Psychology: the module socialises trainees into the scientist-practitioner role that will be central to their professional practice.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of:
· Quantitative and qualitative research design, methodology and analysis.
· Quality standards relating to issues such as reliability, validity, trustworthiness and authenticity.
· Philosophy of ethics in healthcare settings.
· Concepts of capacity and informed consent.
· The principles, standards and practice of systematic literature reviewing.
· Different epistemological positions and their relationship to synthesising methods.
Intellectual skills, the ability to:
· Critically appraise research to determine gaps and inconsistencies within knowledge and to identify areas requiring further investigation.
· Formulate coherent research aims, questions and hypotheses, whilst taking account of resource
constraints and project practicalities.
· Plan an appropriate, clinically relevant, and ethical research project.
Professional and practical skills, the ability to:
· Write a persuasive ethics proposal.
· Defend a research proposal to a selected audience of peers, academics, and lay people.
Transferable skills, the ability to:
· Systematically source, appraise and critically evaluate a body of literature.
· Adopt the scientist practitioner role and demonstrate its core philosophy
Conveners
- Dr Anna Tickle
- Nima Moghaddam