Module Code - Title:
PS6092
-
METHODS OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTION
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The assessment of psychological disorders and distress as well as clinical methods of intervention are central elements of clinical research and its applications. This module will examine approaches to clinical of diagnosis and it will examine the effectiveness of methods of intervention.
Syllabus:
The first half of the lectures series will give an overview of methods of clinical diagnosis (e.g., psychological tests, interviews, clinical manuals). The focus will be on the degree to which these methods of diagnosis are reliable and valid. The second half of the lecture series will introduce methods of intervention (e.g., psychotherapies, psycho-social interventions, prevention) and will discuss their effectiveness and suitability depending on the disorder and the social context. The tutorials will focus in detail on the factors that contribute to effective clinical interviews.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Describe the challenges and characteristics of psychological diagnosis
2. Debate the pros and cons of specific clinical methods of diagnosis.
3. Critically discuss the effectiveness of a variety of clinical intervention methods.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be / should be able to:
1. Value the contribution that psychological research for the assessment of psychological disorders.
2. Appraise the role of psychologocal science in evaluating the usefulness of clinical intervention practices.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will consist of lectures. There will be elements of didactic teaching, activities and interactive group work. Students will examine phenomena from theoretical perspectives of clinical models of diagnosis and intervention. In addition, learning will take place through guided and independent reading and formative assessment. Students will actively discuss and critically evaluate the given topics. Students will also complete a written exam in which they will they critically reflect on methods in clinical diagnosis and intervention strategies.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
N/A
Prime Texts:
Kring, A., Johnson, S., Davison, G. C. & Neale, J. M. (2009)
Abnormal Psychology (11th ed.)
, New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
donal.fortune@ul.ie