Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology
Research and Scholarly Inquiry Courses
The program of study in research provides a solid
grounding in both scientific and qualitative research
traditions, while specializing in innovative human
science methodologies addressing the multiple
dimensions of psychological life. Research courses
emphasize the complementary interdependence
of clinical intervention and empirical inquiry and
provide the skills necessary to complete the doctoral
dissertation as well as contribute to the academic
field of clinical and depth psychology as a lifelong
researcher.
Research Designs and Methodology I: Overview
CP 932......................2 Units
The intent of this course is to foster an introductory knowledge of
design and methodology in psychological research, including an
understanding of the history and characteristics of quantitative,
qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. The theoretical
frameworks, techniques, and critiques of a variety of research
perspectives are surveyed, with a focus on the human science
traditions. Additional issues discussed include: bias, ethics,
diversity, postmodernism and critical theory, and the relationship
between research and clinical practice. The course also
emphasizes the development of critical thinking and proficiency
with a representative method of the student’s choosing.
Research Designs and Methodology II:
Qualitative Methods
CP 933......................2 Units
The course examines the strengths and weaknesses of the
major human science traditions, such as: phenomenology,
hermeneutics, heuristic approaches, ethnography, grounded
theory, biography, and case study. Theory and praxis of
these approaches are covered, and students gain handson
experience with a particular qualitative approach (i.e.,
phenomenology). Emphasis is given to ethics and diversity,
as well as the parallels between research and clinical
practice. Prerequisite: CP 932
Quantative Design and Univariate Statistical Analysis
CP 926......................2 Units
This course is intended to provide an overview to univariate
statistical methods or those pertaining to analysis of a
single, continuous dependent variable. The goal of this
overview is to prepare students to be competent and critical
consumers of quantitative research for clinical practice. An
applied overview of both descriptive and inferential statistics
is provided. Topics covered include: (1) Descriptive statistics
(Measurement scales, frequency distributions, measures
of central tendency, measures of spread (variability),
measures of linear relationships, and standard scores), and
(2) Inferential statistics (Hypothesis testing (correlation and
regression, Z-tests, t-tests, one way analysis of variance
(ANOVA ), Chi-Square tests) and estimation of population
parameters from sample data). Prerequisite: CP 932
Research Designs and Methodology III: Advanced
Quantitative Analysis and Scale Development
CL 939......................2 Units
The goal of this class is to provide students with an overview
of advanced quantitative methods including multivariate
statistical analysis and scale development procedures. The
goal of the class is to help students become skilled in reading
and understanding these designs, and to recognize their
utility within depth psychological scholarship. This class
examines the broad principles and application of multivariate
statistical models for the design of quantitative studies and
the treatment of data as well as statistical methods employed
in scale development. Topics include: multivariate analysis of
variance and covariance, corrections for multiple comparisons,
factor analysis, binary logistic regression, multiple regression,
discriminant analysis, power, meta-analysis and the use of
statistical software, namely Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (SPSS). Prerequisite: CP 932, CP 926
Depth Psychological Methods I
CL 928......................2 Units
The foundation for a complex psychological epistemology
that honors the autonomous character of soul, and an
approach to research that keeps soul in mind are developed.
Students dialogue with traditions of empirical psychology,
depth psychology with particular emphasis on Jung‘s
psychology, and phenomenology. The course articulates an
ethical and therapeutic approach to research which takes
into account dynamic unconscious factors in research. In
addition to this focus on approach, this course also briefly
introduces the processes of research that arise from it and
discusses the role of method. A key aim of the course is
the development of a critcal attitude toward the multiple
levels of the psyche as it presents itself through personal
history, diverse cultures, and the collective and ecological
dimensions of experience.
Dissertation Development I
CP 961......................1 Unit
This course emphasizes on the development of critical thinking
skills, related to evaluating research studies and the writing of
a doctoral dissertation in clinical psychology. Other basic skills
covered include: APA format, library research skills, grantwriting,
as well as ethics and professional issues regarding
writing and publishing. In addition, the course focuses on the
identification of appropriate topics for one’s dissertation within
the academic field of clinical psychology, and the beginnings
of a literature review. Faculty members review students’
potential topics and their initial literature review efforts.
Research Designs and Methodology IV:
Advanced Qualitative Method
CL 940......................2 Units
The course focuses on one or two of the major human
science traditions, such as: phenomenology, hermeneutics,
heuristic approaches, ethnography, grounded theory,
biography, and case study. This semester the theory
and praxis of hermeneutics, with an emphasis on social
constructionism and metabletics (investigation of historical
changes) are covered in depth, and students gain more extensive, hands-on experience with these particular
qualitative approaches. Emphasis is given to ethics and
diversity, as well as the parallels between research and
clinical practice. Prerequisites: CP 932, CP 933
Dissertation Development II
CP 962......................2 Units
This course continues with the knowledge, skills, and
personal process involved with the development of a
dissertation. Focus in this second course is on refining
one’s dissertation topic into a specific research question.
By reviewing the literature of prospective topics as well
as deep introspection and self-exploration, a unique query
and potential contribution to the field of clinical psychology
is discerned. The student begins to construct the literature
review relevant to the chosen research question and
considers appropriate research methods. Students present
research questions and literature reviews for faculty review.
Advanced students may present Concept Papers for formal
approval. Professional and diversity issues relevant to
dissertation writing are discussed. Prerequisite: CP 961
Depth Psychological Methods II
CL 929......................2 units
This course expands upon the research processes introduced
in the first Depth Psychological Research Methods course.
The vocational and transference dimensions of the research
process are explored, and students practice psychological
dialogues as a means to make more conscious their own
unconscious transference to their material. In addition
this course re-
visons the role of method as a metaphoric
perspective
and looks at the ways in which various research
methods, such as imaginal and archetypal methods, both
reveal and conceal their topics. Prerequisite: CP 927
Dissertation Development III
CP 963......................2 Units
The last course in the dissertation sequence focuses on the
completion of the Concept Paper, which contains a literature
review of the seminal sources, a well-defined research
question, a sketch of the method(s) to be used in addressing
the question, and an explication of the relevance of the
question for clinical psychological practice. Students present
Concept Papers for formal approval. For advanced students
with approved Concept Papers, work will be directed toward
Proposal completion (i.e., expanding literature review,
explicating method). Committee formation, professional,
and diversity issues relevant to dissertation writing are
discussed. Prerequisites: CP 961, CP 962
Dissertation Writing
CP 990......................15 Units
During this course, students assemble their dissertation
committees, write their dissertation proposals, and complete
the dissertation process. Students are required to complete
all 15 units. This course may be taken concurrently with
other courses. Additional fees are assessed for this course.
