Unit information: An Introduction to Evidence Based Practice in Counselling in 2014/15

Unit name	An Introduction to Evidence Based Practice in Counselling
Unit code	ACHS20011
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Mr. Sidgwick
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Applied Community and Health Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will explore the role of research in counselling practice, both as a source of knowledge and theory and as a means of achieving greater competence and clarity in one's own work. Students will be testing, monitoring and evaluating the need for evidence based practice and will develop an awareness of the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Aims:

This unit aims to introduce the counselling student to the first steps into research and to consider a range of methods used in gathering research data and the concepts pertinent to the area. It will develop their ability to apply research methods within a counselling setting.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to:

• demonstrate a critical appreciation of a range of research methods which are appropriate for counselling research;

• carry out a small scale research project based on a pre-determined research question under guidance (subject to the ethical and practical requirements of this unit);

• identify and evaluate ethical considerations related to carrying out research in this area;

• provide a brief review of research based literature to explore the issues related to the research question;

• produce a structured written report detailing the stages of the project and identifying the findings

Teaching Information

• Lectures
• Small group work
• Seminars
• Presentations
• e-learning
• workshop

Assessment Information

Under guidance, carry out a small scale research project (subject to the ethical and practical requirements of the Unit) and produce a consent form; participant information sheet and a short research report on the research process and findings (2000 words 100%)

Reading and References

• Bell, J. (1999) “Doing your Research project: A Guide for First Time Researchers”. Milton Keynes: Open University Press

• Etherington K (2004) “Becoming a Reflexive Researcher”, London: Jessica Kingsley

• McLeod, J. (2003) “Doing Counselling Research” (2nd edition). London: Sage.

• McLeod, J. (1999) “Practitioner Research in Counselling”. London: Sage.