Evidence Based Practice (Level 7)
Overview
- Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
- Convenor: Bridget Townsend/Donata Puntil
- Assessment: a 5000-word essay (100%)
Module description
In this module we introduce you to relevant research on counselling and psychotherapy and give you the opportunity to design a research proposal. The main aim is to foster a spirit of critical inquiry and research awareness in clinical practical, by introducing you to the relevant literature and giving you the opportunity to design a piece of research.
We will critically explore the concept of 'evidence-based practice' as it is currently used in counselling and psychotherapy, consider research methods, and look at some of the most significant research findings in psychodynamic therapy, the social sciences and psychosocial studies.
Indicative syllabus
- Evidence-based practice: the professional context (outcome measures, NICE guidelines, need for evaluation of psychotherapy)
- Psychoanalysis and research (attitude towards research in psychoanalysis)
- Introduction to main research methods in social sciences (focus on qualitative research)
- Introduction to main forms of research in psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapy: (a) empirical; (b) conceptual research and use of the case study method
- How to conduct empirical research in psychotherapy: finding a research question, conducting a literature review
- Choosing a research method and method of data analysis
- Ethical considerations, researcher reflexivity, contribution of research to psychodynamic theory and practice
- Implications for practice: how can 'evidence-based practice' be incorporated into ongoing clinical work?
Learning objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- critically evaluate the meaning and usefulness of the notion of 'evidence-based practice' for psychodynamic theory and practice
- evaluate the appropriateness of existing forms of research in social science for use in clinical contexts
- apply the basic elements of conducting research in social sciences to the initial design of a piece of research in psychotherapeutic work.