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  4. 6. MA in Marriage and Family Studies
TeacherDr. T. Milliron
SemesterSpringDuration8 Weeks
FrequencyEvery three years
Credits5 ECTSWorkload125-150 Hours
Module formatIntensive
ApplicabilityThis Module is particularly helpful in the writing of the thesis and the development of interventions with the statistical programs necessary to analyze the individual case studies.
Course structureSee module and courses
Contact time35-45 HoursSelf-Study105-125 Hours
Participation requirementSee access to the program
Evaluation
EvaluationHoursWeight
Phase 15020%
Readings & Research and Developmental
Plan
5020%
Phase 24050%
Participation
3010%
Daily Quizzes
510%
Exam
530%
Phase 36030%
Research Paper
6030%
Total150100%
Content of the ModuleMethods and tools of research and evaluation, focus on research data interpretation and emphasis application to professional practice. Utilization of the computer for data analysis will be emphasized.
This course will cover the research skills needed by marriage and family therapists. The focus will be on applied issues relevant to clinical settings, including accessing and evaluating the appropriate research literature.
Learning Objectives

A. General Learning Objectives
This course seeks to:

  1. Know the extant MFT literature, research, and evidence-based practice (AAMFT 6.1.1).
  2. Understand research and program evaluation methodologies, both quantitative and qualitative, relevant to MFT and mental health services (AAMFT 6.1.2).
  3. Understand the legal, ethical, and contextual issues involved in the conduct of clinical research and program evaluation (AAMFT 6.1.3).

B. Specific Behavioral Objectives
As a result of the activities and study in this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Read current MFT and other professional literature (AAMFT 6.3.1).
  2. Use current MFT and other research to inform clinical practice (AAMFT 6.3.2).
  3. Critique professional research and assess the quality of research studies and program evaluation in the literature (AAMFT 6.3.3).
  4. Determine the effectiveness of clinical practice and techniques (AAMFT 6.3.4).
OutlineA. Research Methods
B. Descriptive Statistics
C. Inferential Statistics
D. Overview of Relationship Science
ExaminationSee Evaluation
Core Literature

Textbooks:
Manning, J., & Kunkel, A. (2014). Researching interpersonal relationships: Qualitative methods, studies, and analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Fishbane, M. D. (2013). Loving with the brain in mind: Neurobiology and couple therapy. NY: Norton.

Reading List:
American Psychological Association (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (4th Ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Cone, J.D. & Foster, S.L. (1993). Dissertations and theses from start to finish. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Creswell (2007). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Creswell (2009) Research Design: Qualitative & Quantitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd Ed). Thousand Oaks: Sage
Fletcher, G., Simpson, J. A., Campbell, L., & Overall, N. C. (2013). The science of intimate relationships. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Gottman, J. M. (2011). The science of trust: Emotional attunement for couples. NY: Norton.
Manning, J., & Kunkel, A. (2014). Researching interpersonal relationships: Qualitative methods, studies, and analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Sprenkle, D. H., Davis, S. D., & Lebow, J. L. (2009). Common factors in couple and family therapy: The overlooked foundation for effective practice. NY: Guilford Press.
Sprenkle, D. H., & Piercy, F. P. (Eds.). (2005). Research methods in family therapy (2nd ed.). NY: Guilford Press.
Other information