Module Code - Title:
EN6091
-
ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Module introduces students to practitioner-based research methods in field of guidance counselling. Content involves the preparatory work for the two Dissertation Modules in Year 2.
Syllabus:
Syllabus focuses on contemporary ontological, epistemological and paradigm debates and methodological strategies relevant to evidence-based research. A strong emphasis is placed on ethical reflexivity and appropriate methods for data collection and analysis in the field. This will involve consideration of the relevance of research into their own practice to help generate new professional insights and perspectives which can ultimately contribute to a broader body of knowledge in the field. In addition, attention will be given to dissemination practices in relation to evidence-based research, including their own work, within the guidance profession and other related fields.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Distinguish between ontological, epistemological and methodological approaches in guidance counselling research.
Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis skills in relation to carrying out of guidance counselling research.
Demonstrate ability to source and critically appraise relevant discipline research literature from a number of different sources including databases, journals, text books and web sources.
Identify appropriate methods for the design of a research project in professional practice.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Critically reflect on one's position as a practitioner-based researcher and the ethical implications involved in carrying out such research.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This will involve a combination of lectures, ICT training in the form of computer-based research systems (e.g. SPSS) and self-directed learning experiences.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Cohen, L., Manion, L., and Morrison, K. (2011)
Research Methods in Education, 7th edn.
, Abingdon: Routledge
Mertens, D. M. (2010)
Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating Diversity with Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods, 3rd ed.
, Thousand Oaks: Sage
Punch, K.F. (2014)
Introduction to Research Methods in Education, 2ed.
, London: Sage
Bell, J. (2014)
Doing your Research Project; A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science, 6th ed.
, Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Bryman, A. (2012)
Social Research Methods, 4th ed.,
, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
McLeod, J. (2015)
Doing Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy, 3rd ed.,
, London: Sage.
Merriam, S. B. & Tisdell, E. J. (2015)
Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation
, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Thomas, G. (2013)
How to do your Research Project; A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences, 2nd ed.
, London: Sage.
Other Relevant Texts:
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (2010)
How to research, 5th ed.
, Buckingham: OUP.
Flick, U. (2011)
Introducing Research Methodology; A Beginner's Guide to Doing a Research Project,
, London: Sage.
Hart, C. (1998)
Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination,
, London: Sage.
Oliver, P. (2010)
The student's guide to research ethics, 2nd ed.,
, Maidenhead: OUP.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
michaela.hayes@ul.ie