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MSc course module

Research Design

  • What are the principles of research design?
  • What are the central methodologies employed in the psychological sciences today?
  • How are spirituality and mysticism explored through research?
  • What are the hallmarks of transpersonal research methods and their frameworks?
  • How can we discern the value and impact of spiritual practices in contemporary contexts?

This module provides a grounding in qualitative research methods, before venturing into transpersonal approaches to research, offering an introduction to methods which embrace embodied, intuitive and creative ways of expanding the human knowledge base. It not only gives students the opportunity to work with these methods in a research project, but also tackles philosophical and ethical issues surrounding methods in transpersonal psychology.

These concern the centrality of transformation for both researcher and participants, issues arising when participants’ most meaningful experiences may be scrutinised, issues where practices may be evaluated for efficacy, and ideas concerning changing paradigms in psychological science. The module prepares students for their empirical research projects in year 3 of the MSc programme.

Overview

Accordion Content
  1. Learn the principles, tools and techniques of qualitative research methods, including sampling, data collection, data analysis, and validity
  2. Learn to apply a specific research method in a group research project
  3. Critically compare and contrast a range of different methodologies used in (transpersonal) psychology, including case studies, narrative research, phenomenology, grounded theory, heuristic methodology, and intuitive inquiry
  4. Explore the relationship between spiritual practice and research, considering the centrality of transformation, both for researchers and participants, in transpersonal research
  5. Consider the ethics of conducting transpersonal research
  6. Learn how to communicate research processes and results through written papers, posters and live webinars.

Course Leader and Tutor Team

Kendra-Diaz Ford

Kendra Ford, PhD

Kendra Ford is a transpersonal research psychologist, yoga teacher and certified Ayurvedic Wellness Coach.

Tadas Stumbrys

Tadas Stumbrys, PhD

Tadas Stumbrys is a lecturer and a researcher in the fields of dreams and consciousness, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of lucid dreaming.

Bethany Butzer

Bethany Butzer, PhD

Bethany writes, teaches, and does research in the fields of positive psychology and transpersonal psychology, which emphasize the development of human strength and potential.

Enquire now for February 2024

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