Involvement in Research Projects

Research is the investigation of clearly defined questions using systematic and rigorous methods, in order to create new knowledge or solve a practical problem. In NHS settings, clinical psychologists are one of the professions with the most training in and experience of research. DClin trainees receive teaching in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. They may use different research approaches for the projects described below.

Quantitative methods often involve larger samples of people, using standardised measures and statistical analysis.

Qualitative studies focus on individuals or small groups, using interviews or focus groups and qualitative analysis methods.

The type of approach used will reflect the question that the research is designed to answer. Trainees are required to demonstrate their competence in research in a number of ways.

Year 1:

In the first year of the Programme they submit a Systematic Case Study (SCS) report (5,000 words), which is a demonstration of how well the trainee has evaluated the impact of a particular intervention with a service user.

Year 2:

In the second year they submit both a service evaluation project (SEP; 5,000 words) and a thesis transfer report for the transfer viva (10,000 words). The SEP is a piece of work the trainee does for a “commissioner” (often a local clinical psychologist) which evaluates how well an aspect of service delivery is going. The thesis transfer report outlines their plans for the piece of research they do for their thesis. This is examined in the transfer viva, so
called because at that point the trainee becomes officially registered for the doctoral qualification.

Year 3:

In the final year a substantial piece of research is completed and presented as a thesis (40,000 words). This thesis must make an original, critical contribution to the field of clinical psychology and should be publishable. See the Thesis Manual to read about service user and carer involvement in research panels. In addition, service users and carers can be involved in consultation and supervision of theses to varying degrees dependent on what is agreed between all parties. Payment for these roles is from the trainees’ research budget.

Involvement in Clinical Psychology Research

Our students value the perspectives and input of experts by experience in their research. Every student engages people with lived experience of their topic of interest when designing the project to ensure the valuable experiences and perspectives of experts by experience inform the project from its inception. There are different levels of expert by experience participation in research and this is covered in more detail in the Planning for Participation Document on the NHS England website.. If you are interested in being involved in a research project, in whatever form, please contact the Research Coordinator who will be able to meet with you and learn more about your interests. From there, we can match up your interests with an ongoing or upcoming research project.