PL4D120 - Research Methods in Clinical Psychology: Measurement and Professional Issues 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL4D120
Module Title: Research Methods in Clinical Psychology: Measurement and Professional Issues
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: Martin Graff
Module Team: Sarah-Anne Evans, Biao Zeng, Gareth Roderique-Davies, Kirsty Richards, Dan Bowers, Alexis Jones, Leigh Attwood, Genevieve Griffiths
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100494 - clinical psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2028

Module Aims

To help students further their application and evaluation of research methods in general and more specifically in relation to Clinical Psychology.

To develop students’ knowledge of more advanced research designs and data analysis including quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis.

Content Summary

Students will learn to design studies in Clinical Psychology (including cross sectional, longitudinal and single case study designs) and analyse data using analysis of variance, analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of variance. They will be familiarised with the use and interpretation of multiple regression analysis and secondary data analysis methods (i.e., meta analysis). Students will critically discuss and evaluate key methodologies and methods that are utilised within qualitative based studies; ensuring that they make evidence based decisions as to the appropriateness of key approaches, methods, analytical frameworks and writing styles within their own qualitative research practice. They will synthesise knowledge, understanding and evidence based practice in such a way as to ensure full contextualisation of the qualitative research-practice nexus, in a ‘trustworthy' manner. Students will also develop their knowledge and understanding of measurement issues in Clinical Psychology such as the measurement of stress and pain as well as professional and ethical issues. Particular emphasis will be given to the British Psychological Society's codes of conduct, Continuing Professional Development requirements, and ethical guidelines.

Formative assessment will also be scheduled to support student’s work towards summative assignments.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 15
Seminar 15
Practical classes and workshops 15
Independent Study 325
Directed Study 10
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 5
Groupwork 15
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Be able to apply flexibly a range of research methods and analytic techniques to the solution of research problems in Clinical Psychology.
LO2 Critically evaluate the ethical, professional and measurement issues associated with Clinical psychological research.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Portfolio Portfolio 1 Students will engage in personal reflection on all elements of the course. They will provide a CPD log similar to the log previously required for all Chartered Psychologists by the BPS. Students will identify their own personal limits and training needs in relation to studying the course. This work will be ongoing throughout the year 0 2000 25 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Project (CW) 3 Students will be provided with a dataset on which they will be required to carry out a Meta- analysis, write a report of findings and answer set questions. 0 2000 25 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Project (CW) 2 Students will design design and write up a study 0 2000 25 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Project (CW) 1 Students will design and write up a study using a Multivariate analysis of Variance or an Analysis of Covariance or a questionnaire study using a multiple regression 0 2000 25 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Project (CW) 3
Project (CW) 2
Project (CW) 1

Reading List

Students will be provided with reading specific to topics and seminars in advance of sessions, where appropriate, and these must be read in order to participate in the sessions. Students will be referred to topic specific current journals and will be expected to engage in substantial independent reading related to the topics that are taught and to their chosen topic in their written assignments. Students will also be expected to select appropriate journal articles for student led seminars. Substantial research is required for all assessments.

Bowling A. (2014) Research Methods in Health. Berkshire: OU Press

Coolican H. 7th Ed. (2018) Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology. Hodder and Stoughton

Rohleder, P., Lyons, A. (2015) Qualitative Research in Clinical and Health Psychology. Hampshire: Palgrave McMillan