Steve Saffhill

Research Methods in Sport & Exercise

Introduction to the module

• Introduce the content of the module

• Introduce the assessments

• Demonstrate how the content of the module is linked to assessment...and later into your dissertation!

Purpose of today is to...

Who am I?

• Steve Saffhill

• Email: steve.saffhill@stamford.ac.uk• Office: Borderville

What is this unit?

• It is an extremely important unit you will complete this year

• It provides insights into research process as a whole• Makes you aware of:

– different components of research– different phases of research– different processes of research

• After the module you should have all the skills you need to think about research as a holistic process rather than merely a combination of separate parts

Assessments

ASSESSMENT ITEMS UNITS

Assignment 1: Data Analysis 2

Assignment 2: Qualitative Research

2

Assignment 3 Project Plan 1

Assignment 1: Quantitative data analysis

• Data interpretation and reporting• You will find the data analysis assignment on VLE.

• You must do the following:1. Write in a concise and appropriate manner2. Interpret data according to an agreed appropriate style3. Analyse data using appropriate research methods

• Other things to remember and consider:i. Use your own words to answer the questionsii. Provide only relevant information, Clearly set out each answer under each

questioniii. You must complete this assignment on your own

Assignment 2: Qualitative research project (in groups)

• Small scale group research project

• As part of the project you will be required to do the following:1. Choose a topic from a list of titles2. Identify research aims and objectives3. Identify key research questions to meet the aims and objectives4. Design your methodology to answer research question5. Design your own questionnaire or interview schedule6. Collect data7. Analyse data by using the skills you’ve been introduced to in the

module8. Report your findings in the form of a poster presentation

Assessment 2: Qualitative research project (in groups) cont.

• Other things to remember and consider:

• Follow the correct style throughout (see module guide)

• How to present data:– Tables, figures etc.

• Ensure you use appropriate headings and subheadings across the paper

• Read around the subject – ORIGINAL RESEARCH!

What you will be assessed on...Element DescriptionGeneral Presentation Use of appropriate style and formatting Clarity of writing and

use of appropriate academic English, ability to present coherent arguments succinctly, use of correct referencing

Knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate the understanding of the research process by having clear link between research aims, objectives and methods

Evidence of the research process

Aims and objectives presented clearly and coherently

Evidence of the research process

Chosen methods explained and presented clearly and coherently, with appropriate use of subheadings as highlighted in the assignment brief, present enough information to ensure replicability

Evidence of the research process

Clear evidence of data collection (copies of typed transcripts in suitable format, the measures used in presented in the appendix)

Evidence of the research process

Clear evidence of appropriate data analysis and reporting of the findings (evidence of data analysis description as part of the method section, evidence of the analysis as appendix, and evidence of coherent description and reporting of the results of the analysis in the result section)

What you will be assessed on...

Description

General presentation and appropriate use of English

Demonstrate knowledge of different types of data

Know what test to use and why

Correctly input data into an appropriate software package

Use appropriate software for data analysis

Interpret data according to an agreed appropriate style

Present relevant data in a clear, accurate manner

Assignment 3: Formal research proposal

• You are required to submit a formal Proposal and Ethics forms (available on VLE)

• This may form the basis of your second year project

• Without ethical approval you ARE NOT ALLOWED to collect primary data, or to collect data with human participants.

Assignment 3: Formal research proposal

• You will need to select any area of research interest in your chosen discipline. – This could be Physiology, Sociology, Biomechanics, Exercise & Health, Exercise

Psychology, Sport Psychology, Pedagogy, Sport Management etc. – BUT BE SPECIFIC! You cannot review everything in that discipline

• You WILL ALSO NEED TO BEAR IN MIND THE DEGREE YOU ARE ON. – Sport science students will do a sports science related project

• Members of staff in specific disciplines will be available for guidance

You will be assessed on...DescriptionGeneral presentation and appropriate use of English and use of appropriate referencing styleAll parts of the SOH research proposal and ethics form filled appropriately

Evidence of thorough literature review of previous research underpinning the proposed research and ability to select key research to provide a sound rationale for the project

Clearly defined project aims, objectives, research questions/hypotheses

Clear evidence and justification for appropriate methodology to meet the study aims and objectives Clear evidence of appropriate data analyses need for the research

Clear evidence of understanding and knowledge of ethical issues involved in the proposed researchEvidence of required appendices (e.g., completed risk assessment form, participant information sheet(s), consent form(s), questionnaires, interview schedules)

Linking content into assessment...• All lectures matter!

• Unit is built to reflect the research process

• Assessment 1 – All about quantitative methodology and analysis

• Assessment 2- All about qualitative methodology and analysis

• Assessment 3 – All about the research process as a whole –and will form the basis of your dissertation

My/your expectations...• Seating arrangements

• Classroom housekeeping– Mobile phones, use of laptops etc.

• Weekly readings – do them!

• VLE

• Ownership

• EngagementAsk questions (no question is a stupid question)

• Respect

Reading prior to next week...

Gratton, C., & Jones, I., (2010). Research methods for sports studies. Abingdon: Routledge. Chapter 1.

• Kumar, R., (2011), Research methodology: a step-by-step guide for beginners. London: Sage. Chapter 1.