Literature Review 2,500 words (excluding reference list)
Literature Review 2,500 words (excluding reference list)
Learning Outcomes
a) Critically review, interpret, integrate, synthesise and apply advanced microskills and therapeutic strategies and interventions within an integrative perspective.
b) Exercise adaptability and judgment when critically analysing research evidence
c) Critically apply self-awareness and self-reflexivity as they apply microskills, therapeutic strategies and interventions within an integrative perspective.
d) Effectively demonstrate professional knowledge and integrated understanding to communicate ideas at an advanced academic level, using contemporary communication approaches.
Assessment Details and Instructions
Purpose:
The purpose of a literature review is to present an understanding of the existing research and debates relating to a particular area of study.
In this literature review students examine the evidence-base of common therapist factors and client factors for therapeutic effectiveness for three counselling approaches. Students assess the evidence related to strengths, limitations and implications for practice for each of the three counselling approaches and present an in-depth analysis of the current literature in that area.
Process:
Students identify and clearly articulate the evidence-base of common therapist factors and client factors for therapeutic effectiveness for three counselling approaches. This provides context for the literature review.
Students assess the evidence related to strengths, limitations and implications for practice for each of the three counselling approaches.
Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of the current literature related to this area through the critical analysis and synthesis of the selected literature.
Literature Review Structure:
A literature review examines and critically evaluates the most relevant, recent and scholarly research on a particular topic. The content of a literature review centres around conveying what knowledge is available on a topic and analysing the material found. Therefore, your literature review needs to:
identify existing scholarly knowledge on a particular topic
compare and contrast current research
evaluate the research and support your evaluation
identify problems or gaps in existing knowledge
A literature review has the same basic structure as an essay: an introduction, a series of body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
The introduction should define the topic, provide an appropriate context for reviewing the literature, and explain the organisation of your literature review.
The body should be organised on the basis of ideas, rather than authors. In other words, the literature should be grouped according to common themes. Ways to group studies meaningfully are suggested in the writing guide (see link below). You may be able to use headings and subheadings to organise your work (check this with your teacher).
The conclusion should summarise the major findings of the literature review. The conclusion should also make an evaluative statement about the current literature on the topic, point out major gaps or flaws, and outline areas for future study.
Marking Criteria
Content:
Demonstrate knowledge of common therapist factors and client factors for therapeutic effectiveness relevant to three counselling approaches.
10 marks
Application:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the structuring the organisation and content of the literature review to address the task requirements.
10 marks
Critical Evaluation:
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in:
analysing and evaluating the differences and commonalities among the themes within the literature
discussing the strengths, limitations and implications in relation to the topic.
10 marks
Evidence:
Demonstrate skills in finding and presenting supporting literature for the topic with:
a balanced viewpoint and varying perspectives
coherency of themes related to the topic and other studies
breadth and depth of studies
10 marks
Academic literacies:
10 marks
