Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Counselling Research: Project Preparation

• Unit Code

  COU6433

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Sarron Alvah GOLDMAN

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Description

In this unit, students are required to define a research topic focused on an aspect of clinical practice in counselling or psychotherapy. Under the supervision of a member of the Counselling teaching staff, students develop their research skills by designing and implementing a small research project. Component of this process, relevant literature is reviewed, objectives of the proposed study are identified, an appropriate methodology and technique of data analysis is conceived and a plan for the implementation of the project is produced. Students are required to write a formal research proposal during this unit.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded COU6427

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Developing an appropriate research question and methodology.
2. Devise a workable research design that meet University Ethics Committee requirements.
3. Formulate a proposal for their research project which demonstrates that the issue selected has been understood in terms of both theory and the context of clinical practice.
4. Independently devise a research topic in the area of counselling and psychotherapy.
5. Synthesise and review the research literature in their chosen research area.

Unit Content

1. Plan, design and write a research proposal including application for Ethics Approval, where appropriate.
2. Review a research proposal in light of reviewers' advice.
3. Selecting an appropriate research methodology, and developing methods of data collection and analysis.
4. The major curricula topics covered in this unit will depend upon the students research question. In general, the unit will address how to conceive a research topic, and developing an operationisable research question from the topic.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Students assume responsibility for researching the literature and writing up of their research proposal, under the supervision of their academic supervisor/s. Students should regularly present to supervisors their current plan of action and report of progress to date. In addition, students should present at least one draft of their research proposal for supervisor's comment.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

Core Reading(s)

• Association., A. P. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

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