Human Research Methodologies (DP9034S)

Content

Research formation is enabled by helping participants to: identify research focus and questions; evaluate, choose and implement an appropriate methodology, including evaluation of mixed methods; understand and prepare for the gaining ethical clearance; develop a literature review. Theological Reflection will be explored in the context of the Action Research Cycle. Research methodologies particularly relevant to Counselling and Psychotherapy, Practical Theology and Ethnographic Research may include: Action Research, Grounded Theory, Autoethnography, Narrative analysis and Case Study. Specific data collection methods such as interview, surveys and focus groups will be considered. Modified Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) and Software (eg NVivo) resources that assist with research writing, data collection, analysis and referencing will also be evaluated.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

This unit introduces students to and supports them in undertaking human research in professional contexts. There is a particular interest in understanding how people make meaning of their lived experience in a given context. The focus is on the development and writing of research projects using qualitative and quantitative (or mixed) methodologies appropriate to the student’s discipline and the culture and sociology of their chosen field or practice. This could be within an academic award pathway or simply within their work/service context.

Pedagogy

Before the weekly seminar/workshops participants will engage lectures and video presentations, readings and set activities. Remote learning and blended delivery are embodied in the unit. Workshops will focus on: integrating the theoretical foundations, history and principles that have shaped the practice of human research; the design and practical implementation of chosen research methods; methods of data analysis.

Students are expected to participate in group work. Peer and shared reflective processes will complement lecturer feedback via assessment tasks. The practical challenges, ethical concerns and collaborative dimensions of such research will be explored through case studies and real-life examples. Additional group work: Critical review of actual studies and evaluative assessment of Instruments such as PROMS and software such as NVivo will enable participants to develop competencies and resources relevant to their discipline, context and stage of research formation/activity.

Indicative Bibliography

• Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, William Bizup and William FitzGerald. The Craft of Research. 4th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2016.
• Bryman, Alan. Social Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016.
• Cameron, Helen and Catherine Duce. Researching Practice in Ministry and Mission: A Companion. London: SCM Press, 2013.
• Cameron, Helen and Deborah Bhatti. Talking about God in Practice: Theological Action Research and Practical Theology. London, SCM Press, 2010.
• Charmaz, Kathy. Constructing Grounded Theory. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, Ca.: Sage Publications, 2014.
• Creswell, John. W and Cheryl Poth. Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among Five Approaches. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks, Ca.: Sage Publications, 2018.
• Denzin, Norman K. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 5th ed. Thousand Oaks, Ca.: Sage Publications, 2018.
• McLeod, John. Doing research in counselling and psychotherapy. Sage, UK. 2015.
• Rossman, Gretchen B. and Sharon Rallis.* Introduction to Qualitative Research: Learning in the Field*. 4th edn. Thousand Oaks, Ca.: Sage Publications, 2017.
• Sensing, Tim. Qualitative Research: A Multi-Methods Approach to Projects for Doctor of Ministry Theses, Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2011.
• Swinton, John and Harriet Mowat. Practical Theology and Qualitative Research. 2nd Ed. London: SCM 2016.
• Yin, Robert. Case Study Research: Design and Methods. 5th ed. Thousand Oaks, Ca.: Sage, 2014 (6th edn. eBook 2017).

Assessment