Scientific Theory, Research and Evaluation Methods in Psychotherapy 1 - Orientation Specialist in Clinical Psychology, 2.5 credits

Registered on PT-program.

On completion of the course, the student is expected to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Be able to account for the philosophical foundation of psychotherapy research within different scientific fields and traditions, and how this foundation is manifested in choice of scientific aims
• Be able to account for the concepts of evidence and truth in different philosophical traditions
• Be able to relate the principles of research ethics, and its impact on society, research community, patients and participants
• Be able to account for the concepts of evidence based practice and the scientist-practitioner approach
• Be able to account for the sections of a scientific paper and how these are mutually dependent on each other 

Skills and abilities

• Be able to perform information searches in scientific databases (e.g. PubMed)
• Be able to write a text draft that will make up the argument for the scientific aims and research questions in a project and write an outline based on this
• Write references according to APA guidelines 

Values and attitudes

• Be able to review and reflect on ethical aspects of research and development of treatments
• Be able to reflect on the significance of psychotherapy research for clinical work and society

The course comprises teaching on philosophy of science relevant for psychotherapy research, research ethics, scientific writing and the established structure of a scientific text.

Teaching takes place in form of recorded lectures available through internet, lectures, practical coursework and seminars.

Attendance on seminars is mandatory. Students will not pass in the event of more than 20% absence from seminars. Examination will be completed in two steps: 1) completion of practical coursework, and 2) presentation of a scientific pro memoria at a seminar. Active participation on the seminar when papers are presented is required.

An examination will be made available for a period of one year in the event of the course being discontinued or a new course syllabus being introduced.

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education.
Courses for a specific program orientation will be given if at least half of the positions appointed to the orientation is occupied.