Scientific Research Methods in Clinical Forensic Psychology

Recommended Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have prior knowledge about research methods in Psychology. It is also recommended that students have a good domain of the english language. 

Teaching Methods

In this CU, oral presentation of the syllabus and the interrogative method (to encourage student's participation in classes) are used. In order to consolidate the knowledge, the syllabus are presented through examples of studies whitin the Clinical Forensic Psychology field. In the practical activities, the active method is used, through the analysis of scientific papers and practical exercises on the stpes of the quantitative and qualitative research process.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Curricular Unit (CU), students are expected to be able to: a) understand the relevance of evidence-based practice in Clinical Forensic Psychology; b) plan and design quantitative and qualitative research within Clinical and Forensic Psychology; c) adopt research procedures in accordance with the profession's ethical guidelines; d) develop strategies for scientific dissemination within Clinical Forensic Psychology. 

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1.Research methods in Clinical Forensic Psychology: The relevance of evidence-based practice

2. Quantitative methods and statistical procedures in Clinical Forensic Psychology

2.1 Systematic review and meta-analysis studies: PRISMA Statement

2.2 Descriptive clinical forensic assessment studies

2.3 Analytic clinical forensic assessment studies

2.4 Efficacy studies of clinical forensic intervention programs

2.4.1 Feasibility studies and pilot studies

2.4.2 Case studies

2.4.3. Quasi-experimental studies (non-randomized controlled trials): TREND Statement

2.4.4. Experimental studies (randomized controlled trials): CONSORT Statement

3. Qualitative methods and data analysis in Clinical Forensic Psychology

3.1 Single and multiple case studies 

3.2 Analysis of clinical/judicial files

3.3 Focus group

4. Ethical principles in research whitin Clinical Forensic Psychology

5. The scientific dissemination in Clinical Forensic Psychology

Head Lecturer(s)

Nélio Jesus de Freitas Brasão

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Pratical report (20%) conducted in small group with oral presentation (20%): students will have to present a critical analysis of a scientific paper according to criteria previously established by the lecturer: 40.0%
Mini Tests: 60.0%

Bibliography

Brown, S. & Sleath, E. (2015). Research methods for forensic psychologists: A guide to completing your research project. New York: Routledge.

Howitt, D. & Cramer, D. (2017). Research methods in psychology. Harlow: Pearson.

Loseke, D. R. (2017). Methodological thinking: Basic principles of social research design. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

Meltzoff, J. & Cooper, H. (2017). Critical thinking about research: Psychology and related fields. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

McBride, D. (2016). The process of research in psychology. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

Mitchell, M. L. & Jolley, J. M. (2013). Research design explained. New York: Wadsworth.

Rosenfeld, B. & Penrod, S.D. (2011). Research methods in forensic psychology. New York: Wiley