This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module is intended to provide students with an understanding of research design, planning and data analysis. The first half of the module is dedicated to learning about inferential data analysis and the use of SPSS to understand basic statistical concepts (the normal distribution) and perform parametric and non-parametric statistical tests (e.g., Student’s t-test). The second half of the module is dedicated to research design and planning. IN this part of the module, students will develop a research proposal that will ultimately become the basis of their year 3 dissertation.
A synopsis of topics included in this module are:
- A range of statistical tests analysing parametric and non-parametric data
- The process of forming a research question and hypothesis
- Ethics in research
- Scientific writing skills
- Supervisor contact
- Presentation of current dissertation projects
30 hours split into; x12 x 1 hour lectures, x1 1 hour formative test, x12 1 hour seminars and x4 2 hour SPSS workshops, x21 hour supervisor appointments in small groups and pre-study.
This module is taught at the Medway campus only
60% Research Proposal, 40% in-class test
Field, A. (2005).Discovering statistics using SPSS. London: Sage.
Burns, R. (2000). Introduction to Research Methods.London: Sage.
Creswell, J. (2009). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Coakes, S.J. and Steed, L.G. (2003) SPSS: Analysis without anguish version 11.0 for Windows. Australia: Wiley and Sons.
Fallowfield, J. Hale, B. Wilkinson, D. (2005) Using statistics in Sport and Exercise Science Research.Chichester: Lotus Publishing.
Thomas, J.R. and Nelson, J.K. (2005) Research Methods in Physical Activity.(4th Ed.) Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
Williams, C. Wragg, C. (2004) Data analysis and research for Sport and Exercise Science. London: Routledge.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
On successful completion of the module students will be able:
12.1 Analyse the strengths and weaknesses associated with a range of research methods;
12.2 Interpret descriptive, graphical and inferential statistics that inform answers to specific research questions.
12.3 Demonstrate knowledge of devising a clear specific and testable research question that can be realistically addressed within the limitations of undergraduate study.
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