B8894 - ATTIVITÀ TECNICO PRATICHE DI RICERCA APPLICATA ALLO SPORT

Learning outcomes

Through hands-on and practical activities, students will acquire specific practical and applied competencies regarding the methodologies and equipment used in research applied to sport.

Course contents

Applied Statistical Analysis with JASP

Introduction to JASP and Data Management

• Import and setup: Importing data (CSV, Excel) and defining measurement scales (nominal, ordinal, continuous).

• Descriptive statistics: Rapid calculation of means and standard deviations, and generation of data visualizations (box plots, histograms).

Relationships Between Variables (Correlation and Regression)

• Correlation: Analyzing relationships using Pearson and Spearman coefficients.

• Simple linear regression: Modeling the impact of an independent variable on a dependent variable.

Comparing Two Groups/Conditions (t-Tests)

• Independent and paired samples t-tests: Comparing two distinct groups or comparing the same group before and after an intervention.

• Assumption testing: Normality tests (Shapiro-Wilk) and homogeneity of variance tests (Levene).

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

• One-Way ANOVA: Comparing three or more independent groups.

• Two-Way ANOVA: Analyzing the effects of two independent variables (e.g., Gender × Training Type) and their interaction.

• Repeated measures ANOVA: Evaluating the same group across multiple time points.

• Post-hoc analysis: Identifying specific significant differences using corrections (Tukey, Bonferroni).

Practical Significance and Output Interpretation

• Effect size: Calculating and interpreting Cohen’s $d$ and Eta-squared ($\eta^2$) to move beyond the simple $p$-value.

• Reporting results: How to read, export, and critically describe JASP outputs in a scientific paper.

Readings/Bibliography

Thomas, Jerry R., Jack K. Nelson, e Stephen S. Silverman. Metodologia della ricerca per le scienze motorie e sportive. A cura di Pasquale Bellotti e Alberto Rainoldi, Calzetti & Mariucci, 2012.

Field, Andy, Johnny van Doorn, and Eric-Jan Wagenmakers. Discovering Statistics Using JASP. SAGE Publications, 2025.

Resources available at JASP website

 

Teaching methods

Introductory lecture followed by data analysis practice

Assessment methods

Single exam for the integrated course B8892 RESEARCH METHODS APPLIED TO SPORT

Oral exam with presentation and discussion of a research proposal

Marking criteria

• Excellent (28-30 cum laude): The proposed research project features a rigorous methodological design and a statistical analysis plan perfectly aligned with the investigated variables. The presentation (both oral and visual) is seamless, highly effective, and strictly on time. During the discussion, the candidate demonstrates sophisticated critical analysis, a deep awareness of study limitations, and flawless use of scientific and methodological terminology.

• Good (24-27): The project is solid and well-structured, with an appropriate methodological and statistical plan, despite minor inaccuracies in secondary details. The delivery is clear and well-supported by visual aids. The candidate answers questions during the discussion effectively and uses appropriate terminology, demonstrating a strong general understanding, though with less critical depth or minor gaps in originality.

• Sufficient (18-23): The project demonstrates a basic grasp of core research concepts but contains inconsistencies or gaps in the study design or the proposed statistical analysis. The presentation is understandable but flat or poorly structured. During the discussion, the candidate struggles to critically justify their methodological choices, relying on rote answers and showing limited terminological precision.

• Fail (<18): The project exhibits severe methodological flaws, a missing or incorrect statistical analysis plan, and an inability to formulate a coherent research question. The presentation is disorganized or extremely incomplete, and the candidate cannot justify or defend the project's choices during the discussion.

Teaching tools

Computer labs and library resources

Office hours

See the website of Samuele Maria Marcora