Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of the Research Apprenticeship is to provide students with practical experience of working under the supervision of an established researcher in a field related to Clinical or Health Psychology. This may be as part of the supervisors' research team. Students will normally contribute to at least one of the following elements of the research process: the formulation of, and rationale for, the research question; the design of an appropriate methodology; data collection; analysis or the production of a draft paper. This will provide students with the opportunity to work closely with an experienced researcher and their team and to be part of the wider research community in the School.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module is based on a collaborative relationship between the student and their research supervisor/mentor. After an initial orientation session with the module convener, the main teaching and learning method will be weekly meetings between the student and the academic and/or project researchers(s). Students will also be encouraged to attend research group meetings and related seminars where relevant.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge outcomes at a level consistent with the standard of Masters level. Depending on the stage of the project they are engaged in, students will be expected to have acquired in-depth knowledge of at least three of the following areas

1. Extensive knowledge of the theoretical background of the research field
2. Knowledge of process of choosing appropriate method(s) to address research question
3. Knowledge of chosen method
4. An understanding of ethical issues relating to research generally and data collection specifically
5. Practical knowledge of issues relating to data collection and measurement
6. Choice and execution of appropriate analytic techniques

This module will build on knowledge being obtained concurrently in the Research Methods module.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. The ability to listen and contribute to discussions about research issues
2. Critical evaluation of related research papers and/or ideas
3. The ability to interact professionally, confidently and effectively in a research setting
4. Self-management of learning and time
5. Reflective writing

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will begin with a present in person session setting out processes and expectations and answering students questions. After this, most of the teaching will be in an individual supervisory context, although the module leader and others will monitor the students' progress at various points outlined above. Supervision will include research and organizational /progress meetings; these will be predominantly present in person and will be agreed in discussions between the student and the supervisor.

This is an innovative module which relies on the student and the research lead and their team working closely together in a mutually beneficial way. It will allow the students to apply and further develop the skills they have previously learned in their undergraduate degrees and skills they have learned in the Research Methods module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module follows an apprenticeship model so much of the student’s development will be based on feedback on performance in the sessions with the leader of the research groups. The essay is designed as an aid to critical thinking about their own skills and improvements. It is also intended that it fits with this apprenticeship model by being, a diary of learning and progression.
The poster, which the student will submit online but will not be expected to present in person/verbally, will allow the student to summarise their experience with the research topic and methods and communicate it to the research team/supervisor in a way in which they might be expected to do to in future working environments.
The professional skill assessment is designed to aid the development of professional communication skills and effectiveness of team work.

General Notes

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