GAS4502

Research methods in professional psychology

Associate Professor Chris Fraser

6 points - First semester - Distance - Prerequisite: Bachelor degree with major in Psychology from any Australian Psychological Society accredited course

Objectives On the completion of this subject students will have acquired knowledge and attitudes regarding research appropriate for professional practice in psychology; be able to appreciate the role of scientific research in counselling and the value of the scientist-practitioner model; understand how to evaluate the validity of research conclusions, particularly in field settings, understand the theoretical and practical issues involved in selecting appropriate designs, both quantitative and qualitative, for conducting research in field settings where a reduced level of control is possible; appreciate special issues applying to both outcome and process research on counselling, such as biases caused by the research process, uses of analogue studies, and selection of appropriate measures; understand the statistical procedures commonly used in counselling research, and be able to apply these appropriately by the use of computer statistical packages.

Synopsis This subject is designed to provide a review of research design and analysis with special reference to applications in counselling psychology. Topics covered include evaluation of therapies and intervention programs, case studies, counselling process research. It will also include revision of statistical methods and use of SPSSX statistical package for analysing data.

Assessment Two methodology/statistics assignments: 50% - Examination: 50%

Prescribed texts

Heppner P P, Kiviglan D M Jr and Wampold B E Research design in counselling Brooks-Cole, 1992

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