Research Assignment For Counselling
Introduction
Counselling like any profession requires ongoing research in order to survive and to develop. It is important to challenge old concepts and to introduce new ideas.
Research can be defined simply, as the gathering and searching for information that will enable a particular problem or question to be answered. Research can be defined as ‘the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and new conclusions’ (Oxford Dictionaries, 2015).
This essay will firstly examine the term research and will introduce different types of research methods. Secondly, the essay will use the journal article ‘The third person in the room: Recording the counselling interview for the purpose of counsellor training – barrier to relationship building or effective tool for professional development’ (Gossman & Miller, 2012), here after referred to as the article, as a case study in order to outline how research informs and supports counselling work.
Research methods
In general, research methods can be placed into two main categories which include qualitative and quantitative data.
Qualitative research methods involve describing in detail specific situations with the use of research tools such as interviews, surveys and observations. As the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (2015) outlines, these research methods are continually evolving due largely to changes in patterns and styles of human interaction and communication. For example, current methods of research could include online exchanges, telephone surveys, real-time communication and ‘time-lapse’ techniques for example diaries, electronic bulletin boards or blogs etc. However, regardless of the technique used to collect the data ‘qualitative research is always based on open-ended queries; it uses in dept probing to uncover thoughts and feelings behind initial responses; and it applies insights into learning to the research process in real time.’ (QRCA,
Counselling like any profession requires ongoing research in order to survive and to develop. It is important to challenge old concepts and to introduce new ideas.
Research can be defined simply, as the gathering and searching for information that will enable a particular problem or question to be answered. Research can be defined as ‘the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and new conclusions’ (Oxford Dictionaries, 2015).
This essay will firstly examine the term research and will introduce different types of research methods. Secondly, the essay will use the journal article ‘The third person in the room: Recording the counselling interview for the purpose of counsellor training – barrier to relationship building or effective tool for professional development’ (Gossman & Miller, 2012), here after referred to as the article, as a case study in order to outline how research informs and supports counselling work.
Research methods
In general, research methods can be placed into two main categories which include qualitative and quantitative data.
Qualitative research methods involve describing in detail specific situations with the use of research tools such as interviews, surveys and observations. As the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (2015) outlines, these research methods are continually evolving due largely to changes in patterns and styles of human interaction and communication. For example, current methods of research could include online exchanges, telephone surveys, real-time communication and ‘time-lapse’ techniques for example diaries, electronic bulletin boards or blogs etc. However, regardless of the technique used to collect the data ‘qualitative research is always based on open-ended queries; it uses in dept probing to uncover thoughts and feelings behind initial responses; and it applies insights into learning to the research process in real time.’ (QRCA,
References: AQR (2014) Definition of Triad. Retrieved 05/04/15 from http://www.aqr.org.uk/glossary/triad Baker, et al. (2002) ‘A naturalistic longitudinal evaluation of counselling in primary care.’ Counselling Psychology Quarterly, Volume 15, (4): (p.359-373). BACP (2013) Evidence for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Retrieved 05/04/2015 from http://www.bacp.co.uk/admin/structure/files/pdf/12228_research%20evidence%20summary.pdf Gossman, M. & Miller, J (2012) ‘The third person in the room: Recording the counselling interview for the purpose of counsellor training – barrier to relationship building or effective tool for professional development’. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, March 2012; 12(1):25-34. McLeod, J. (2011) Doing Counselling Research (2nd Edition), London: Sage Publications McLeod, S (2008) Qualitative Quantitative. Retrieved 05/04/2015 from http://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html Oxford Dictionaries (2015) Definition of Research. Retrieved 05/04/2015 from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definiton/english/researh QRCA (2015) Types of Qualitative Research. Retrieved 05/04/2015 from http://www.qrca.org/?page=types_qual_research