MUSS2007 Issues in Music Therapy Research (5 cr)

This course introduces students to methodological, epistemological, and pragmatic issues in music therapy research. The course gives participants the opportunity to read and discuss a wide range of empirical and theoretical studies through the lens of key issues affecting music therapy research, emphasizing critical evaluation and interdisciplinary understandings.

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

- Identify and provide in-depth descriptions of key challenges related to music therapy research, especially the relationship between control and naturalism, the comparative value of objectivity and subjectivity, and the practical challenges associated with making research participation accessible for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

- Compare and critically evaluate examples of music therapy research in which these issues are addressed in different ways.

- Discuss music therapy research issues from multiple viewpoints considering the needs and desires of different stakeholders, e.g., patients, therapists, healthcare administrators, scientists.

- Can describe how these key issues apply to their own research, clinical practice, or other professional work.

- Communicate clearly about key issues in this topic in English and/or Finnish 

Can be taken in first or second year of study. 

Osbeck, L. (2018). Values in psychological science: Re-imagining epistemic priorities at a new frontier. Cambridge University Press.