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.
• Ethical issues. Scientific dishonesty. Copyright and plagiarism. Protecting study participants
• 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.
  
• 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.

Based on the inclusion of computing labs within the study programme, attendance of this course requires the prior participation of all students in modules 1 and 2 of training on safety in the places of study, in e-learning mode.

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 (test of knowledge - duration 1 hr)

The student must correctly answer at least 9 questions correctly out of the 18 questions set, to be allowed to take the oral examination. Mark scheme: +1 for correct answer, 0 for wrong/absent answer.

The quiz will be delivered using the EOL website, and students are asked to bring a portable computer with internet connection to the exam.

Part 2 - oral examination (test of knowledge and skills - no set duration)

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. Approximately 30 minutes reading time will be allowed to complete the review.

Both parts must be completed in the same session.

The use of instruments/aids such as notes or calculators is not allowed during the exam. Students must use their computer only to connect to the EOL website. The use of IT tools such as ChatGPT or similar is not permitted for the analysis of the article.

The final score is calculated by giving equal weight to 4 elements: the quiz, the 2 general questions, and the analysis of the article.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint slides will be used as a teaching aid. Extensive notes are also provided to help students revise the course material.

In order to participate in statistics labs, students are expected to bring portable computers to at least those lessons dedicated to these exercises.

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