HSE104 Research Methods and Statistics in Exercise and Sport

Question:
1.

Research – Careful systematic process that is used to solve problems
The research continuum
Basic:

Testing theories and fundamental principles

Laboratory based

Often uses animal models

Carefully controlled conditions

Sometimes limited direct application to ‘real world’ settings

Applied:

‘Real world’ problems and settings

Human participants

Limited control over the research setting

Direct application to ‘real world’ problems

The research process:

Identify the problem

Read relevant literature

Formulate a hypothesis

Select and employ appropriate research methods

Recruit participants, gather data, analyse data

Communicate findings

2.
Early stages of the research process (broken down)

Identify the problem

Is the problem in the realm of research?

Does it interest you?

Is it worthwhile?

Is it feasible?

Is it timely?

Have you prepared the techniques and methods needed to address the problem?

Read relevant literature

Writing the problem statement

Determining descriptors of the problem (your search keywords)

Searching literature databases for primary sources of evidence

Reading and organising texts into common themes

Writing the literature review

Formulate the hypothesis

Proposed explanation of a problem including causes, factors, solutions based on the evidence available
Theoretical models

Empirical evidence

Personal experience

Forms of reasoning
Inductive reasoning – Begins with unique observations. Related observations are tied together when specific hypotheses are formulated, which come together to form a general theoretical model.
Deductive reasoning – Begins with a theoretical explanation of a problem or phenomenon. Based on the theory researchers propose specific hypotheses. These hypotheses must then be tested by gathering evidence and comparing the hypotheses to the evidence (observations) obtained.
Quantitative research – Takes place when information about a problem or phenomenon is gathered in or converted to numerical form (deductive reasoning)
When to select quantitative research?

Comparing data in a systematic way

Making generalisations to a population of interest

For gathering evidence to test a specific hypothesis that has been derived from a theoretical model

Two categories:
Descriptive – Attempts to describe the status of the study’s focus, by observing and analysing existing phenomena (problems, events, patterns) or by using historical data

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