Advanced Research Based Practice
36 Hours
One Semester or equivalent
Hawthorn
Overview
The aim of this Unit of Study is to introduce students to the key research methods and approaches used to study the effectiveness of counselling interventions for children, adolescents, couples and families. The importance of using evidence-based practice when working with these client groups is emphasized. The strengths and limitations of different service delivery models are also considered.
Requisites
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-August-2026
01-November-2026
01-November-2026
Last self-enrolment date
16-August-2026
Census date
01-September-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
22-September-2026
Results released date
08-December-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Understand the major research methods and approaches used to study the effectiveness of counselling interventions for children, adolescents, couples and families
- Work collaboratively in a project team and with an industry partner to achieve advanced knowledge and skills in an area of mental health service delivery for children, adolescents, couples and/or families
- Critically evaluate the clinical and research literature relevant to child, adolescent, couple and family counselling
- Evaluate and reflect on their experience of participating in a project team and communicate their process in written format
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Seminar | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Contact (Phasing out) Online Learning Activities | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Journal | Individual | 20% | 4 |
| Research Project | Individual/Group | 80% | 1,2,3 |
Content
Specific topics include:
- What is evidence-based practice
- Research methods and approaches for child and adolescent interventions
- Research methods and approaches for couple interventions
- Research methods and approaches for family interventions
- Models of service delivery
- Engaging an industry partner
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.