Sport Books Publisher1 Introduction to Research Methods Chapter 22.

Sport Books Publisher 1

Introduction to Research Methods

Chapter 22


Outline

Research Defined The Scientific Method Validity of Research Types of Research Characteristics of the Researcher Ethics in Human Participant Research Preparing a Research Project Writing the Research Report Poster Presentation


Research Defined


Logical, methodological procedure for solving problems and discovering

knowledge

Means by which information is gathered to develop new knowledge (e.g., better ways to treat disease) and to enhance our abilities to make sensible decisions

(e.g., which university to attend)


Misconceptions About Research

More far reaching than the narrow-minded vision of scientists in lab coats conducting complex and dangerous experiments

Need not be technical or require sophisticated apparatus


How is Research Useful to Me? Understanding what makes research legitimate

and identifying limitations of a study can allow one to:– Recognize misleading claims– Distinguish between fact and fiction– Increase the ability to utilize appropriate facts


The Scientific Method


Involves logical organization in answering questions and interpreting data

Steps involved in scientific method using Dynavision as an example:


State the problem

State the testable hypothesis

Plan the methods

Carry out the study

Analyze data using statistics

State the conclusionsState a new research

question


The Scientific Method

Is based on logical organization and clearly defined measurement techniques

Makes results more accurate Other, less scientific methods:

– Trial and error– Tradition– Emotion


Validity of Research


Internal Validity

The overall quality and design of the research including:– The accuracy of measurements made– Proper statistics being used– Whether limitations were minimized

Reliable measurements, tight controls, etc. make a study more valid


External Validity

A study’s generalizability, or potential application to general population

The degree do which the results of the study can be used in other conditions

No statistical value give to quantify it


Types of Research


Laboratory Research• Highly controlled environment

• Higher internal validity

• Lower external validity

Field Research• Outside of tight controls

• Lower internal validity

• Higher external validity


Basic Research• Without a specific purpose

• Conducted for gaining knowledge alone

Degree of specificity of research question

Low

Hig

h

Applied Research• With a specific purpose

• Conducted for answering a specific question


Characteristics of the Researcher


Open-mindedness

Knowledge

Intellectual curiosityPerseverance

Honesty


Ethics in Human Participant Research


Every university and hospital has a panel of experts called Institutional review board (IRB)

This board ensures that human participants do not face any undue risk during a study

i.e., that the study is ethical


Rights to the Participants

Informed consent– Provision of sufficient information and

comprehension of a study Confidentiality

– Anonymity of participation and results Safe treatment

– Potential risks and discomforts are minimized Knowledge of results

– Investigator provides feedback of results


Preparing a Research Project


Obtaining References Primary references:

– Original book, article, or report– Provide more precise and detailed information

Secondary references: – Original work is mentioned by someone else– Bias transferred from author to reader– Use only when primary sources not available

Library research– Can be quick and efficient due to

• Bibliographies, indexes, and reviews• Computer database indexes (Sport Discus, Medline)

and journals


Selected Journals in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER)

Adapted Physical Activity QuarterlyInternational Journal of Sport SociologyInternational Journal of Sport BiomechanicsJournal of Health PromotionJournal of Philosophy of SportJournal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance

Journal of Sport PsychologyJournal of Sports Medicine and Physical FitnessMedicine and Science in Sports and ExercisePerceptual and Motor SkillsQuestResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport


The Art of Research Writing Good writing should be clear, simple, concise,

unambiguous, and make reading enjoyable Writing should involve:

– Planning ahead– Outline– Keeping dictionary and

thesaurus handy– Reviewing several times– Avoiding plagiarism– Using grammar and spell check– Choice of words (simple and correct)


Writing the Research Report


Title

Should convey the precise intent of the study– potential readers will be

able to determine whether or not the study is related to their interests

– computer search for related information is easier

Should be 10 to 15 words long


Abstract Short, concisely worded

summary of – What the study is about– Intended purpose– Participants involved– Methods– Results– Conclusions

Generally limited to 100 to 150 words


Introduction Should present the problem under

consideration and reveal the value of the study

Its main purpose is to justify the need for the study and to describe how it will highlight the research question under examination

1. Start with a brief outline of the existing relevant literature

2. Narrow the discussion to a specific aspect being examined

3. The last part: “The purpose of this study is to…”


Statement of Research Hypothesis Research hypothesis:

– General statement that summarizes, in one or more sentences, the overall purpose of the study or what the expected outcome is

It does not require the word “hypothesis” being mentioned because it is often implied by the purpose of the study itself


Review of Literature

Written in past tense Provides background highlighting what has

already been done and what is known Lays the groundwork for the hypothesis Should be primarily on recent articles and

ideas Should NOT summarize one study per

paragraph Instead it should be organized around

concepts or themes


Methods

Information regarding how the study was conducted

Provides enough detail necessary to replicate the experiment

Precise and complete yet compact Includes:

– Subjects– How measurements are made– Apparatus– Procedure followed (chronological)– Statistical analyses


Results

Begins with summarized data in table or figure form in order to simplify large amount of data

States whether the hypothesis was accepted or rejected based on the appropriate statistics

The data stands on its own, no interpretation is given here

Brief and concise


Discussion

1. Interprets the results and links them to the general problem outlined in the introduction– Attempts to explain the findings and to put them

in perspective with respect to other studies

2. Limitations– Extraneous variables, duration, participants, etc.

3. Implications – Applying the results to real world experiences– Careful about applying the findings of a single

study

4. Recommendations– Improvements to the current study (variations in

the participants, alternative methods, etc.)


Summary

Concludes the research report Provides:

– Brief overview of the need for the study– Statement of the problem– Methods– Main findings


References

Sources used in the preparation of a research paper

Referencing in the text:– Using one referencing style– APA style: Magill (1979) or (Magill, 1979)– Keep citation close to the point

Reference section:– End of the paper– Listed alphabetically (APA) or in order of

appearance


Poster Presentation


Alternative way of presenting research Contains same major sections as research

paper Benefits:

– Allows for more creativity and imagination– Easier to complete– More visually appealing– Makes viewing and discussing simpler

Points to keep in mind:– Title that catches attention– Large and dark print for clarity– Simple and uncluttered tables and

figures– Strong visual contrast– Use your imagination

Sport Books Publisher1 Introduction to Research Methods Chapter 22.

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