Module Descriptors
RESEARCH METHODS AND DATA ANALYSIS
SPOR70641
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 7
15 credits
Contact
Leader: John Erskine
Email: J.W.Erskine@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 102
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- REPORT weighted at 50%
- REPORT -SECOND REPORT weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None
Module Resources
Access to an appropriately specified PC, with accompanying Word, PowerPoint, Adobe and Java software.
Module Texts
Bowling, A. (2002). Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services. Second Edition. Open University Press.
Hopkins, W.G. A New View of Statistics, to be accessed at: http://www.sportsci.org/resource/stats/index.html
Ntoumanis, N. (2001). Step-by-Step Guide to SPSS for Sport & Exercise Studies. Routledge: London.
Thomas, J.R, Nelson, J.K. & Silverman, S.J. (2005). Research Methods in Physical Activity. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
Ulin, P.R., Robinson, E.T., Tolley, E.E. (2004). Qualitative Methods in Public Health. Jossey Bass.
Williams, C. & Wragg, C. (2004). Data analysis and research for sport & exercise science. London: Routledge.
Hopkins, W.G. A New View of Statistics, to be accessed at: http://www.sportsci.org/resource/stats/index.html
Ntoumanis, N. (2001). Step-by-Step Guide to SPSS for Sport & Exercise Studies. Routledge: London.
Thomas, J.R, Nelson, J.K. & Silverman, S.J. (2005). Research Methods in Physical Activity. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.
Ulin, P.R., Robinson, E.T., Tolley, E.E. (2004). Qualitative Methods in Public Health. Jossey Bass.
Williams, C. & Wragg, C. (2004). Data analysis and research for sport & exercise science. London: Routledge.
Module Learning Strategies
Students will follow an 8-week guided study programme and access support material via Blackboard.
Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Understanding of key concepts will be self-assessed via questions posed on Blackboard and tutors feedback will be provided. Students should engage in on-line discussion sessions and will be required to support discussions with evidence based arguments.
Core required tasks will amount to an average of 6 hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 48 activity engagement hours for the module.
The number of independent study hours is 102, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (48 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (54 hours).
Students will be required to access additional support material independently. Understanding of key concepts will be self-assessed via questions posed on Blackboard and tutors feedback will be provided. Students should engage in on-line discussion sessions and will be required to support discussions with evidence based arguments.
Core required tasks will amount to an average of 6 hours of engagement per week, representing a total of 48 activity engagement hours for the module.
The number of independent study hours is 102, representing a combination of further and additional reading and a series of optional tasks (48 hours) and specific preparation for the module assignments (54 hours).
Module Indicative Content
This module will enable students to develop and enhance research and statistical skills in the fields of applied sport & exercise science or Public Health.
Topics covered include:
1. understanding the nature of research,
2. evaluating sources of information,
3. research and experimental designs,
4. sampling and evaluation,
5. data definition and statistical analysis,
6. presentation of research findings.
A number of inferential techniques will be covered (e.g., t-tests, correlations, chi-square, Analysis of Variance and Covariance, Multivariate Analysis of Covariance, Multiple Regression).
Selected qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis (e.g., content analysis, grounded theory) will also be considered.
Students will have the opportunity to examine statistical procedures that are specifically related to the focus of their award.
Topics covered include:
1. understanding the nature of research,
2. evaluating sources of information,
3. research and experimental designs,
4. sampling and evaluation,
5. data definition and statistical analysis,
6. presentation of research findings.
A number of inferential techniques will be covered (e.g., t-tests, correlations, chi-square, Analysis of Variance and Covariance, Multivariate Analysis of Covariance, Multiple Regression).
Selected qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis (e.g., content analysis, grounded theory) will also be considered.
Students will have the opportunity to examine statistical procedures that are specifically related to the focus of their award.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Students will be required to complete 2 pieces of summative assessment.
1. To conduct, report and interpret analyses conducted on a quantitative data set provided. This is worth 50% of the module grade and assesses LO's 1 and 2. (Equivalent to 1,500 words).
2. To conduct, report and interpret analyses conducted on a qualitative data set provided. This is worth 50% of the module grade and assesses LO's 1 and 3 (Equivalent to 1,500 words).
Students must pass all elements of assessment in order to pass the module (grade point 7)
Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising a combination of task related feedback and (more importantly) comments on online discussion contributions offered up throughout the module.
1. To conduct, report and interpret analyses conducted on a quantitative data set provided. This is worth 50% of the module grade and assesses LO's 1 and 2. (Equivalent to 1,500 words).
2. To conduct, report and interpret analyses conducted on a qualitative data set provided. This is worth 50% of the module grade and assesses LO's 1 and 3 (Equivalent to 1,500 words).
Students must pass all elements of assessment in order to pass the module (grade point 7)
Students will receive formative feedback throughout the module comprising a combination of task related feedback and (more importantly) comments on online discussion contributions offered up throughout the module.