90766 - Researching and reading scientific articles

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the students will be able to identify the main theme and select the problem that characterizes a research paper. They will be able to understand the purpose of the various parts of a scientific article. They will be able to distinguish the characteristics of a research article from a review, a monograph, a meta-analysis, or an annotated bibliography. They will learn about the main strategies for researching scholarly literature and how to apply them, employing general-purpose and specialized search engines using keywords and related thesaurus terms as syntactic and logical operators.

Course contents

1) Beyond platitudes and fake news - forms of knowledge and research. "Ways of knowing" and the scientific method.

2) The history of scientific research applied to physical exercise and sport. The development of knowledge in the field from the ancient world to today.

3) The structure of a scientific article: the primary source. How to read a scientific article.

4) Other secondary sources of knowledge. Monographs, reviews, systematic reviews and more.

5) Internet and bibliographic research. How to conduct a bibliographic search, for the final exam or other purposes.

6) How to evaluate the quality of scientific research. Simple indicators to quickly estimate the value of the sources.

7) How to integrate the analysis of the sources in the research process? The summary of sources for a specific purpose.

8) The reference library service of the University. The services and the subdivisions of the library system.

9) Computer lab and internet research. In the last three lessons students will work in small groups to put their new knowledge to the test.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students who participate in the computer laboratories must attend Module 1, 2 of the online course on Health and Safety.

Readings/Bibliography

The main materials are provided by the lecturer. Supporting text:

Metodologia della ricerca per le scienze motorie e sportive. JR Thomas, JK Nelson, SJ Silverman. Publishers: Calzetti and Mariucci Editori, Torgiano, PG. Italy

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons (18 hours)

Work in small groups (2-3 students) for the preparation of a written research on a topic chosen by a member of the group, and approved by the teacher. Most of the work is done during the workshops (6 hours).

Assessment methods

Attendance and participation in group activities will constitute the first element of evaluation for the purposes of the final assessment.

The final exam will consist of three elements:

1. The preparation of a written document for each laboratory by each working group, and an individual final report, to be submitted in electronic format at least 48 hours before the final interview.

2. A multiple choice written quiz with 18 questions. The student must correctly answer at least 9 questions to access the final interview.

3. A final interview to verify the student's contribution to the group's work, and his understanding of the topics covered during the course.

For students who are unable to participate in all group activities, the first and third elements of the exam will be replaced by a more in-depth oral exam in which the knowledge and skills acquired during the course will be verified.

Teaching tools

Workshops will be held in a University computer laboratory. For students opting to participate online, the use of a computer with wi-fi functionality is recommended to simplify participation in the exercises.

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

Office hours

See the website of David Neil Manners