Master of Health Sciences in Research Psychology

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to educate and train researchers who contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of research psychology at an advanced level. The qualification trains learners critically to reflect on the praxis of research psychology. They learn to systematically and creatively deal with, design and critically appraise research. Learners also make sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Through this qualification learners become independent researchers conducting specialised and advanced research in the field of Psychology. The qualification is a prerequisite for registration as Research Psychologist at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Furthermore, the qualification equips learners to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods in evaluating the soundness of documented research independently and perform meaningful research in the field of Psychology. Completion of the qualification provides opportunities for employment at research organisations, universities, or as independent research consultants.

Rationale

This is first, a professional qualification, a prerequisite for registration as an intern and eventually as a Research Psychologist at the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). It is, therefore, necessary to develop this qualification to provide opportunities for honours learners in related qualifications to gain the necessary skills to register at the HPCSA and practice as Research Psychologists. Furthermore, there is a wide skills gap and workforce need in South Africa in the field of research psychology. This shortage creates several career possibilities in the field of research psychology in research organisations and universities. The curriculum of this qualification takes the skills gap in South Africa into cognisance. In the field of Psychology, it is of great importance that continuing action research and the results of such studies inform practice. Completion of this qualification empowers learners with the necessary methodological knowledge, research skills and applied competence in the field of study. These provide opportunities for continued personal growth, academic progress towards the completion of a PhD, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. This curriculum prepares the learner for further post-graduate studies in Psychology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The application of RPL is according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy.

• The Faculty of Health Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
• Learner s' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 200 Credits

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Mini-dissertation: Research Psychology, 100 Credits.
• Critical Research Skills, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Qualitative Research Methods, 16 Credits.
• Project Management, 16 Credits.
• Psychometrics and Applied Psychological Assessment, 16 Credits.
• Community Psychology, 10 Credits.
• Cognitive Psychology, 10 Credits.

1. Engage with and critique current research or practice in the field of Psychology.
2. Analyse, evaluate and then choose appropriate enquiry methods for researching Psychology.
3. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on an individual, group and organisational level.
4. Demonstrate advanced, systematic and specialist knowledge to research individual, community and interdisciplinary level by applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques to identify, analyse, formulate and solve complex research problem(s) in the domain of psychology.
5. Apply advanced strategies to obtain, analyse and evaluate applicable information for its relevance and validity.
6. Undertake scientific interpretation of research results and integration of and critical reflection on, findings.
7. Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail, fax, psychometric tests) effectively in the Research Psychology environment (technological and environmental literacy).
8. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Research Psychology.
9. Promote responsible citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of research skills in the field of Psychology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Plan and undertake ethical research in the field of psychology.
• Distinguish different qualitative and quantitative approaches which are appropriate for answering specific research questions.
• Apply different research designs associated with qualitative research.
• Apply quantitative research processes such as sampling, validity and reliability, questionnaire design, experimental designs, data analysis techniques and packages to research in the field of psychology.
• Plan and research limited scope by using appropriate research methods aligned with the ontological and epistemological assumptions applicable to psychological research phenomenon.
• Write a logically and integrated scientific report in which applicable psychological explanations that integrate with research findings.
• Conduct independent inquiry in a specialised field of psychology, training or development and report their findings in academically appropriate ways.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment includes projects, assignments, case studies and tests during the year in the modules. In some modules, formative assessment covers portfolios, practical evaluations and a research proposal.

Learners write a summative and integrated exam (written and practical) and submit a mini-dissertation on discrete research. The research is conducted under supervision at the end of the year for summative assessment.