Master of Counselling Capstone Research Project
• This paper must be APA formatted.
• The minimum page requirement is approximately 50 pages of text; exclusive of references, table of contents, acknowledgements etc.
• The number of references you cite will be negotiated in consultation with your Capstone Research Project Adviser; there is no minimum number of references requirement.
• Regarding any references that you do cite, the reference list, and the Capstone Research Project itself must be in APA format.
• Only references actually cited in your paper are included in the reference list (it is not a bibliography of all reading).
Chapter 1: Research Problem (about 15 pages)
This initial paper will introduce students’ research question or problem to be addressed, and will form Chapter 1. You are encouraged to be creative, and to write about a theme, concept, idea, or practice for which you have a passion. What is the question of inquiry at the heart of your research?
What is the definition of this problem? How extensive is this problem or issue? Describe the significance and context of the problem with reference to academic literature. Provide the chapter with a section of definitions of terms. Clearly articulate the aims of you Capstone. Predict what you might find from your literature review. Provide a roadmap or outline for the remainder of the capstone.
You must clearly articulate in Chapter 1 why the research problem(s) you are exploring has utility and applicability within the field of counselling, psychotherapy, or areas relating to therapeutic community work. Regardless of the methodology employed, the practical therapeutic usefulness of students’ studies must be outlined. The expectation is that critical thinking will be employed in reviewing the literature, and, where appropriate, offering alternative solutions and program designs.
Chapter 2: Literature Review (about 20 pages)
A review of literature relevant to your question or problem is an integral component of your project. In this second chapter, you will present your literature review of the topic under investigation. This paper will form Chapter 2. Specifically, you will present the previous research that has been undertaken to resolve the problem(s) you highlighted in the first chapter.
Include critiques of the literature you explore and describe alternative perspectives regarding the dilemma or problem. The literature review must be contemporary in nature; your advisor will assist you in being thorough and “up to date” on the literature pertaining to your topic. The chapter will conclude with a summary of your review.
Chapter 3: Analysis and Conclusion (about 15 pages)
This final chapter is a critical analysis, discussion, and conclusion regarding your research topic. You will include the purpose or aims of your project, what you imagined and thought you would discover in the literature review, and a comment on what you appreciated and what you would highlight within the existing literature. You will also comment on limitations or constraints you have noted, and from this, will propose alternative action.
This may include a proposal for future research, or a revisioned program design, social policy, or therapeutic practice. For example, you may propose: 1) A new or different theoretical model, 2) an outline of a framework for a therapeutic/support group, or 3) a framework that may be of use to practitioners working with a specific demographic or within a specific therapeutic setting. As with the previous two chapters, Chapter 3 will have a final summary and conclusion.
Note: Any reflections of a personal nature are always put in a separate chapter (i.e., creating a Chapter 4). Collaborate and consult with your advisor in regards to what may be appropriate or relevant to include in this regard.
