This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Typical topics included in this module are:
• Introduction to philosophy of science
• Evidence-based practice
• Levels of evidence
• Exploring research methods in sport science
• Different approaches to research – qualitative and quantitative methods
• Ethical considerations in sports science
• Safe laboratory/human participant testing practice
• Experimental research designs:
a) Pre-experimental;
b) Quasi-experimental;
c) True experimental designs.
• Causal-Comparative research
• Survey research and qualitative methods
• Evaluating, interpreting and presenting results
• Statistics to include descriptive statistics, testing for differences and exploring relationships
• Researching and writing the research proposal
Total contact hours: 44
Private study hours: 356
Total study hours: 400
Data Analysis & Reporting Exercise – 50%
Research Proposal – 50%
Safe Lab and Human Testing Induction and Competency (pass/fail)
Burns, R. (2000). Introduction to Research Methods. London: Sage.
Creswell, J. (2013). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. 4th Edition, London: Sage
Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Y. (2012) Collecting and Interpreting Qualitative Methods. 4th Edition, London: Sage.
Field, A. (2013) Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. 4th Edition. London: Sage
Greenhalgh, T. (2014) How to Read A Paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine, 5th Edition, Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
Hulley, S. B et al. (2013) Designing clinical research. 4th Edition, London: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Weir, J. P. and Vincent, W. J. (2012) Statistics in Kinesiology, 4th Edition, 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)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Analyse critically the methodological assumptions and approaches to existing research in the relevant subject area
Critically evaluate the process of research in the relevant subject area
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in research design in the relevant subject area
Select and apply data analysis techniques used in research
Demonstrate competence in safe laboratory/human testing practice.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate communication and presentation skills - evidenced via the use of student led workshop discussions and presentations.
Apply information technology and numeracy – evidenced via the preparation for the research proposal (including importing of graphics, word processing, and internet searches) and working with a statistical software package.
Demonstrate problem solving and the ability to plan and manage learning – achieved through the identification and correct usage of statistical tests for specific data types and sets and through completing the extra self-directed study and managing the supervisor meetings necessary to successfully complete the required assignments and tasks set during this module.
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