96192 - Research Methods Applied to Sport and Exercise

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student will have a practical understanding of the research process and methods available for research within the various sub-disciplines of exercise science and sports science. In particular, the student will gain proficiency in understanding, planning, conducting, assessing, and presenting research.

Course contents

Regarding specific descriptive learning objectives, the course deals with the following topics:

• Introduction. Alternative models of research, and overview of the research process. Purpose and methods of literature review. Identifying and developing the research problem. Presenting the hypothesis.
• Statistical concepts and study design. Motivation for statistical analysis. Basic concepts of statistical techniques. Description. Inference. Sample selection. Randomization. Effect size. Power.
• Parametric techniques. Relationship and correlation among variables. Prediction. Multiple regression. Differences between groups. ANOVA and ANCOVA
• Nonparametric techniques. Nominal and ordinal data. Differences among groups. Testing observed versus expected data.
• Measurement. Measurement of physical activity. Concepts of validity and reliability. Measurement error. Measurement scales.
• Quantitative research. Observational versus experimental research. Experimental designs. Internal and external validity. Using meta-analysis to synthesize research.
• Ethical issues. Scientific dishonesty. Copyright and plagiarism. Protecting study participants
• Reporting research. Developing a good introduction. Describing the Method, Results and Discussion. Using tables and figures. Writing abstracts. Making oral and poster presentations.

Regarding skills, students will learn the basics of statistical analysis of data drawn from sports and exercise science, and to critically read scientific articles in these fields.

Readings/Bibliography

Research Methods in Physical Activity. Sixth Edition. JR Thomas, JK Nelson, SJ Silverman. Publisher: Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL. USA.

Teaching methods

Each lesson is based around one or more chapters of the recommended text book, although it does not follow the order or content exactly. In the time available during lectures, it is not possible to cover all topics in depth, and students are advised to read the chapters related to each lesson for a more complete understanding.

Students will participate in group exercises during lessons to improve their critical reading skills. Additionally, 6 hours of laboratories will be used to introduce students to Jamovi, a free 3^rd generation spreadsheet for statistical computing and graphics.

Finally, students will be assigned homework, that they are expected to complete in time to be discussed during the following lesson.

Assessment methods

The final exam, which is not of set duration, consists of two parts:

• Part 1 - written multiple choice quiz

The student must correctly answer at least 9 questions correctly out of the 18 questions set, to be allowed to undergo oral examination.

• Part 2 - oral examination

The student will be asked two questions of a general nature regarding the topics covered in the course. He/she will then be asked to critically review a scientific article in the field of sports and exercise science.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides will be used as a teaching aid. 

Any students with specific learning difficulties are encouraged to contact the lecturer as early as possible, to discuss possible modifications to, or additions to, teaching materials, as well as assessment methods.

Office hours

See the website of David Neil Manners