Entry requirements
Only open to MSc Psychology (research) students
Description
In this course we will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of various experimental and observational study designs, as well as the standards of conducting and reporting research in clinical psychology. New developments in research methodology will be discussed, in addition to more traditional methods. Papers on recent developments in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology research will be used as examples. Students will learn to express their critical views on design, reporting, and other aspects of etiological and interventional research (which have their own pitfalls and problems) in the form of peer reviews. The course prepares students for scientific work, including writing the Master’s thesis and designing and reporting clinical psychological studies, especially studies into assessment of therapeutic effectiveness. It will also prepare students to make evidence based evaluations of (novel) psychological treatments and interventions and their place in (clinical) health care policy, according to rigorous scientific methodology.
Course objectives
At the end of this course, the student can:
reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of research designs typically used in clinical psychology
critically assess research papers on the merits of their chosen research strategies, design, ethical aspects, and adherence to reporting standards
assess relevance and quality of research about the etiology or treatment of psychopathology for possible integration in the clinical practice.
communicate better with researchers and other professionals about the relevance and quality of research about the etiology or treatment of psychopathology
set up and report about their own research about the etiology or treatment of psychopathology in e.g. a PhD project.
Timetable
For the timetable of this course please refer to MyTimetable
Registration
Education
Students must register themselves for all course components (lectures, tutorials and practicals) they wish to follow. You can register up to 5 days prior to the start of the course.
Exams
You must register for each exam in My Studymap at least 10 days before the exam date. You cannot take an exam without a valid registration in My Studymap. Carefully read all information about the procedures and deadlines for registering for courses and exams.
Exchange students and external guest students will be informed by the education administration about the current registration procedure.
Mode of instruction
6 2-hour lectures
6 2-hour seminars
100% attendance to the seminars is mandatory.
Assessment method
Final grade is based on:
Graded assignments (25%)
Participation in seminars (15%)
Final assignment (60%)
The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has instituted that instructors use a software programme for the systematic detection of plagiarism in students’ written work. All students are required to take and pass the Scientific Integrity Test with a score of 100% in order to learn about the practice of integrity in scientific writing. Students are given access to the quiz via a module on Brightspace. In case of fraud disciplinary actions will be taken.
Reading list
The book that is used in this course is: Kazdin, Alan E. (2017). Research Design in Clinical Psychology, Books a la Carte Edition, 5th Edition. New York: Pearson ISBN13: 9780205992089 (Please note: this book has been changed and updated significantly compared to the 4th edition). You might be able to find a second hand copy, but this title is no longer printed by the publisher. However, we have arranged for a custom made book (containing only the chapters that you need) with the title: "Experimental Clinical Psychology", author: "Putman, Peter", ISBN: 9781787645332.” There is a limited amount of stock in the Netherlands and it might have to be shipped in from another country which will take a few days extra, so make sure you order the book ASAP. Ordering the book can be done through this link. Members of study association Labyrint can order this book through Labyrint/INDEX books as well.
Furthermore, assignment papers from peer-reviewed scientific journals will be made available on Brightspace.
Contact information
Dr. Evin Aktar e.aktar@fsw.leidenuniv.nl