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MAFT 555 - Research Methods

Teacher Dr. T. Milliron
Semester Spring Duration 8 Weeks
Frequency Every three years
Credits 5 ECTS Workload 125-150 Hours
Module format Intensive
Applicability This Module is particularly helpful in the writing of the thesis and the development of interventions with the statistical programs necessary to analyze the individual case studies.
Course structure See module and courses
Contact time 35-45 Hours Self-Study 105-125 Hours
Participation requirement See access to the program
Evaluation
Evaluation Hours Weight
Phase 1 50 20%
Readings & Research and Developmental
Plan
 50 20%
Phase 2 40 50%
Participation
 30 10%
Daily Quizzes
 5 10%
Exam
 5 30%
Phase 3 60 30%
Research Paper
 60 30%
Total 150 100%
Content of the Module Methods and tools of research and evaluation, focus on research data interpretation and emphasis application to professional practice. Utilization of the computer for data analysis will be emphasized.
This course will cover the research skills needed by marriage and family therapists. The focus will be on applied issues relevant to clinical settings, including accessing and evaluating the appropriate research literature.
Learning Objectives

A. General Learning Objectives
This course seeks to:

  1. Know the extant MFT literature, research, and evidence-based practice (AAMFT 6.1.1).
  2. Understand research and program evaluation methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, relevant to MFT and mental health services (AAMFT 6.1.2).
  3. Understand the legal, ethical, and contextual issues involved in the conduct of clinical research and program evaluation (AAMFT 6.1.3).

B. Specific Behavioral Objectives
As a result of the activities and study in this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Read current MFT and other professional literature (AAMFT 6.3.1).
  2. Use current MFT and other research to inform clinical practice (AAMFT 6.3.2).
  3. Critique professional research and assess the quality of research studies and program evaluation in the literature (AAMFT 6.3.3).
  4. Determine the effectiveness of clinical practice and techniques (AAMFT 6.3.4).
Outline A. Research Methods
B. Descriptive Statistics
C. Inferential Statistics
D. Overview of Relationship Science
Examination See Evaluation
Core Literature

Textbooks:
Manning, J., & Kunkel, A. (2014). Researching interpersonal relationships: Qualitative methods, studies, and analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Fishbane, M. D. (2013). Loving with the brain in mind: Neurobiology and couple therapy. NY: Norton.

Reading List:
American Psychological Association (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (4th Ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Cone, J.D. & Foster, S.L. (1993). Dissertations and theses from start to finish. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Creswell (2007). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Creswell (2009) Research Design: Qualitative & Quantitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd Ed). Thousand Oaks: Sage
Fletcher, G., Simpson, J. A., Campbell, L., & Overall, N. C. (2013). The science of intimate relationships. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Gottman, J. M. (2011). The science of trust: Emotional attunement for couples. NY: Norton.
Manning, J., & Kunkel, A. (2014). Researching interpersonal relationships: Qualitative methods, studies, and analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Sprenkle, D. H., Davis, S. D., & Lebow, J. L. (2009). Common factors in couple and family therapy: The overlooked foundation for effective practice. NY: Guilford Press.
Sprenkle, D. H., & Piercy, F. P. (Eds.). (2005). Research methods in family therapy (2nd ed.). NY: Guilford Press.
Other information


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