Master of Psychology in Research Psychology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Psychology in Research Psychology is to provide individuals with access to critical thinking skills, appreciation of literature, understanding of cultures, the uses of power, the mysteries of the mind, the organisation of societies, the complexities of leadership, the art of communication, and the challenge of change. The qualification is aimed at promoting excellence and research skills. It will be done by tuition to learners regarding advanced, discipline-specific modules in the Research Psychology field, as well as by completion of a mini-dissertation, in which the research skills learnt must be applied practically, and an accredited internship. In the presentation of the course contents, the focus will also be on the application of rigorous research methodology to render community service of the highest possible standards.

High standards will be pursued to expose learners to the systematic processes of research methodology and allow them to execute the processes practically in conducting their research projects. This qualification will support and assist in realising the vision of the institution regarding recruiting the best and most diverse learners. The qualification is research-led, learner-centred, and will contribute to development and social justice through the production of globally competitive graduates and knowledge The qualification will enhance excellence in research, tuition and community engagement. contributing to local, regional, and global knowledge.

Furthermore, the research activities in the Department of Psychology are informed by the Research Strategy built upon the following four aims:

• Implement a differentiated research approach.
• Develop excellent researchers and scholars, providing sustainability and continuity.
• Increase the visibility, impact and uptake of the research.
• Provide a sustainable and supportive research environment with appropriate management and physical and financial resources.

In line with the vision of the institution, the purpose of the Faculty of the Humanities is to be an excellent and creative faculty focusing on the needs of the community in terms of tuition and research. The faculty strives to generate, introduce/develop and disseminate knowledge, stimulate critical intellectual investigation and inspire innovation in learners and staff by teaching, basic and applied research, and service delivery aimed at enriching and uplifting the community, the region, the country and the continent. In the pursuit of knowledge, the faculty places a high premium on intellectual freedom, integrity, responsibility, and equity. The qualification will equip learners with critical thinking skills, an appreciation of literature, an understanding of cultures, the uses of power, the mysteries of the mind, the organisation of societies, the complexities of leadership, the art of communication, and the challenge of change.

The qualification will thus produce new knowledge to provide insight into the complexities of societies, power and change, as well as graduates with the critical thinking skills, psychosocial competence, and ethical appreciation to contribute to society. This alludes to the importance of striving towards both local contextualisation and global competitiveness, in positioning the Department of Psychology to provide not only a South African but an African-informed perspective on the discipline. The utilisation of qualitative and quantitative approaches in pure and applied research enables learners to explore, describe, explain, and predict human phenomena; thus, gaining insight into individuals and shaping society.

The research niche areas in the Department can be summarised into seven broad areas that align with important fields in the discipline of psychology:

• Test development.
• Psychobiography.
• Identity and human development.
• Psychological wellbeing of specific population groups (learners; criminal offenders, etc.).
• Cultural and cross-cultural studies of wellbeing in Africa.
• Training practices in the Psychology Profession.
• Mental health literacy and indigenous meaning-making of mental illness.

The qualification will promote excellence and research skills in the field of Research Psychology, as well as by the completion of a mini-dissertation, in which the research skills learnt must be applied practically, and an accredited internship. In the presentation of the contents, the focus will also be on the application of rigorous research methodology to render community service of the highest possible standards. High standards will be pursued to expose learners to the systematic processes of research methodology and allow them to execute the processes practically in conducting their research projects. This qualification will support and assist in realising the vision of recruiting the best and most diverse learners.

The qualification was developed in consultation with the institution's Academic Committee of Senate (AC) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The strategic function of this committee is to ensure the alignment between institutional vision and strategy and the academic offerings of the university, to undertake and ensure an effective alignment between enrolment planning, academic planning and physical planning in the context of available and potential resources and ensure the most effective and efficient use of staff resources, physical facilities and operational funding.

Rationale

Psychology is not an absolute science and is referred to as a 'Social Science' or a 'Soft Science.' It deals with human thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, and humans are not always predictable and reliable. Instead, humans interact with the environment in ways that alter the way they behave, think, and feel. Change one thing and the domino effect can change everything else. Nevertheless, research plays an extremely important role in psychology. Research helps people understand what makes people think, feel, and act in certain ways; allows people to categorize psychological disorders to understand the symptoms and impact on the individual and society; helps people to understand how intimate relationships, development, schools, family, peers, and religion affect people as individuals and as a society; and helps people to develop effective treatments and intervention programmes to improve the quality of life of individuals and groups.

Psychological research is typically used for the following

• Study development and external factors and the role they play in individuals' mental health.
• Study people with specific psychological disorders, symptoms, or characteristics.
• Develop tests to measure specific psychological phenomena.
• Develop treatment approaches to improve individuals' mental health.

Research psychologists are involved in the planning, developing and application of psychological research methods. They are often involved in the development of psychological measures. Monitoring and evaluation of psychological interventions usually fall within their scope of practice. Most research psychologists work for universities, government offices and private corporations.

Many pleas have been made for the psychology profession to become more relevant to the South African context. There is a move away from the prominent focus on one-on-one counselling, towards more curative, preventative and developmental interventions. Research psychologists have a major role to play in the development of the discipline, the contextualisation of psychology as a science, and the informed development of psychological assessments and interventions.

Research psychology is the most under-represented of the various registration categories as a psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Research psychology as a field is side-lined and underrated in South Africa,

The qualification is driven by the need to provide more Research Psychologists. According to the 2017 National Research Report Survey, only 3.1% of all registered psychologists in South Africa are Research Psychologists, which means that of the 8 030 registered psychologists only 248 were registered as research psychologists. Many of these psychologists up to 12% are also registered in other categories, which has an influence on the real number of practising research psychologists. Institutions of Higher Education are also experiencing a scarcity of registered research psychologists. Research is one of the important components of academic tuition; therefore, more well-qualified research psychologists in Psychology are essential. Research Psychology is recognised by the Department of Health as one of nine scopes of practice within the profession of Psychology. Research is one of the pillars of the institution; therefore, more qualified Research Psychologists are essential in the field of Psychology. Developing researchers in Psychology who, with research knowledge, can contribute inter alia towards research methods, the development of research measures, and advice on policy development that will enhance the general health of individuals and society.

Great challenges exist in South African society, amongst others, to develop programmes that can be used preventively to address and prevent mental disorders and dysfunctions in particular contexts. To this aim, distinguished research based on scientific principles is of great importance. The employment trends in research psychology in South Africa reported an increase in the demand for research skills, with a specific focus on a background in community psychology and development contexts. Former research psychology master's learners pursue a variety of different career paths, including working in academia, health/social research, marketing and corporate research, monitoring and evaluation, and psychometrics.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, And Assessment (CHE, 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The process will be managed by the central RPL Office in collaboration with the Faculty of the Humanities, Department of Psychology.

Through its RPL policy, the institution will ensure that quality assurance processes addressing the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and administrative and support systems, both prior to and after RPL assessment, are in place.

Applicants will be assessed with reference to NQF Level 8 competencies.

RPL for access

• Where applicants do not meet the set minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.
• No more than 10% of a cohort of learners will be admitted through an RPL process.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification.
• For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Bachelor of Psychology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Psychology Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

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

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Social Research, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Administration, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 240 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 128 Credits

• Research Psychology Leadership and Project Management, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Psychosocial Research Methodology, 32 Credits.
• Psychosocial Research in Context, 32 Credits.
• Psychometrics, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules Level 9, 112 Credits (Select one module)

• Mini-dissertation, 112 Credits.

Or

• One publishable article, 112 Credits.

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to design innovative research methods for psychological research in the South African context.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design, manage and conduct research that contributes to psychological theory and practice, report on such research, and implement the findings of such research policy and practice.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify psychosocial issues requiring research in South Africa.
4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct various aspects of psychological practice and research in a manner which is cognizant of and sensitive to socio-economic status, culture, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and other forms of diversity.
5. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of relevant legislation aspects related to ethical psychological practice and research in contexts such as those related to criminal, civil and family matters.
6. Demonstrate the ability to competently deal with the management of information and records, financial and human resource management and entrepreneurship.
7. Demonstrate the ability to establish protocols and contracts with clients (individuals, groups, organizations, etc.).
8. Demonstrate the ability to advise on the development of policy applicable to a variety of sectors and issues, based on various aspects of psychological theory and research.
9. Demonstrate the ability to complete a mini-dissertation.
10. Demonstrate the ability to complete a 12-month internship.

Associated Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Appropriately formulate a research problem, aim and questions/hypotheses.
• Select appropriate research designs and methods of sampling and data collection to investigate the research questions innovatively and effectively.
• Fully evaluate the feasibility and ethical considerations of the proposed methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Satisfactorily interrogate the nature of scientific and social research and critically evaluate previous research to make informed choices about research proceedings.
• Deliberate on how various research paradigms inform research and effectively articulate personal, paradigmatic positions (ontology, epistemology, and axiology) in conducting research.
• Properly apply knowledge of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods of sampling, data collection, and data analysis to effectively answer specific research questions.
• Appropriately analyse and report data, and critically interpret, integrate, discuss, and evaluate research findings and results to reach effective scientific conclusions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Design, implement, manage, and evaluate a range of psychologically based programmes in diverse settings and organisations (such as health, education and labour), which includes conducting needs analyses and asset-based inquiries.
• Design, execute and produce a written report on a small community research project.

> Identify a relevant psychosocial issue within the diverse and local South African contexts (such as those related to criminal, civil and family matters) requiring research.

> Investigate the psychosocial issue considering the socio-economic status, culture, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other forms of diversity.

> Establish an appropriate research question or hypothesis in addressing a specific psychosocial issue.

> Effectively integrate literature review and use an innovative research method.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop strategies to address diversity in the research process.
• Discuss and integrate cultural considerations in the interpretation of research findings.
• Evaluate the contextual and cultural use of psychometric instruments for the advancement of Psychology in an Indigenous African context (including concepts of bias, fairness, and adverse impact, as well as ethics and social considerations).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply appropriate ethical principles to hypothetical scenarios related to criminal, civil, and family matters.
• Properly explain your own role as a research psychologist and adherence to the scope of practice according to the Health Professions Act no 56 of 1974 and subsequent amendments.
• Satisfactorily apply the code of professional ethics of the HPCSA/ Professional Board for Psychology, as well as guidelines for ethical research practice expressed in relevant national and international legislative frameworks (including institutional ethical clearance procedures and supportive documentation such as informed consent forms).
• Correctly apply the theories, principles, and policies of research ethics in a research study, and acquire ethical clearance and gatekeeper authorisation for the research study from all stakeholders (Research Ethics Committees and Gatekeeper Organisations).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Comprehensively discuss the roles and responsibilities of the research project manager/entrepreneur and the dynamics of the research team.
• Present research findings accurately and appropriately by means of different presentation skills (including oral and visual presentation, round table discussion, and written report).
• Properly compile a grant application for funding of a research project (including simulated), clearly stating the project protocol, human resource, time, risk, and financial management plan.
• Develop and present an effective plan for managing information and records in a research project context.
• Identify entrepreneurial opportunities related to psychological research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Draft and present clear protocols and contracts for engaging different types of clients (individuals, groups, organisations, government departments) in a research setting.
• Using effective communication and negotiation skills in establishing agreements with clients.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Effectively evaluate the potential impact of research findings on policy and practice.
• Develop and present appropriate recommendations for policy changes based on a critical evaluation of existing literature and research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Produce, under supervision, a research-based assignment (mini-dissertation or article format), grounded in literature and sound methodology, which involves:
• Select a viable research topic/theme.
• Perform and write an effective literature review.
• Formulate appropriate research aims and questions.
• Implement relevant research designs and methods, including sampling procedures, data collection and analyses.
• Observe ethical sensitivity and awareness in all aspects of the research process.
• Make sound judgments using data at their disposal to present, discuss, and interpret findings in relation to other previously published research.
• Use appropriate language, and analytical, technical, and styling skills, which include logical arguments and APA style editing, to write a scientific report.
• Disseminate research findings in an effective and scientifically accountable manner to intended audiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Present a reflective portfolio demonstrating the integrated practical application of psychological knowledge, competencies and skills to real-world settings, which includes:

continuous self-assessment and learning experiences, challenges faced, and contributions made during the internship.

• Plan, develop and apply psychological research and relevant ethical considerations to appropriately address a wide range of psychosocial issues.
• Perform a variety of relevant roles to enhance the quality of psychological services in a variety of settings.
• Appropriately collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to successfully conduct psychological research.
• Work with and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, demonstrating cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, in engagement with diverse populations, including, clients, other psychologists, other professionals, the broader public and other relevant stakeholders in all spheres of psychological research.