SPOR08011 2022 Research Methods in Sports Studies

General Details

Full Title
Research Methods in Sports Studies
Transcript Title
Research Methods
Code
SPOR08011
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
SPOR - Sport/Rec/Leisure
Department
MKTS - Marketing, Tourism & Sport
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Paula Ryder, Aileen Brennan, Kerry Larkin
Programme Membership
SG_BSPOR_H08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport with Business SG_BBUSI_K08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business L8 (Add-on) DoMTS SG_BBUSI_K08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business L8 (Add-on) DoMTS SG_BSPOR_K08 202200 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport with Business (Add-on)
Description

This subject will address the area of research methodology and its application to research allied to the leisure industry.  A key question to be addressed in the module is ‘how do we know what we know?' This module will provide students with some of the skills that researchers use to engage in and investigate social phenomena.  This module will assist students in defining the research questions and research rationale and will explore ethical considerations. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Describe the different philosophies underpinning research methodologies. Appraise and justify the use of particular methodologies.

2.

Explain the techniques of data collection and analysis associated with qualitative and quantitative methodologies

3.

Evaluate a selected research topic and write a proposal related to that research topic

4.

Evaluate research based journal and Internet articles and demonstrate skills associated with academic writing and referencing.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Fundamental concepts are introduced and illustrated through lectures. The understanding of students is tested and further enhanced through student centred learning exercises and interactive tutorial sessions. Guest speakers and specialised workshops will form part of T&L strategy. 

Independent study.

UDL

Module Assessment Strategies

Students will engage in practical activity interspersed with theoretical work to develop the core competencies used within the process of research. 

Research Journal: The journal will allow the student to think critically and reflect on class material. It will allow them to explore the application of the theory and skills covered in class to the development of their own research idea and proposed research project.

Annotated Bibliography: The search for and analysis of a number of relevant research articles on a given topic will develop the students search and analysis skills and help formulate a basis for the research proposal. 

The Research Proposal: The purpose of the research proposal is to get the student thinking critically and working on a focused area of research interest. The student will prepare a research proposal which will act as preparation for Capstone project or further research either at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

 

Repeat Assessments

 

  • Failed components will be repeated.

Indicative Syllabus

LO 1: What is Research                                                                                                              

  • Outline history of social research
  • Detail philosophies of research
  • Investigate the aims of research in leisure industry
  • Explore discourses of ethics and equality in research practice

LO 1, 4 & 5: The Research Journey: An introduction

  • Explain the process of how to ‘do' research to include
  • Defining the topic
  • Designing a research project
  • Developing research questions
  • Writing a proposal
  • Conducting a literature review

LO 1 & 3: The Structure of Inquiry

  • Undertaking Research Design
  • Searching the Literature
  • Conceptualisation, Operationalisation, and measurement
  • Use of Indexes, Scales, and Typologies
  • The Logic of Sampling

 LO 2: Modes of Observation & Collecting data

  • Qualitative and quantitative approaches
  • Experiments
  • Survey Research
  • Qualitative Field Research
  • Unobtrusive Research
  • Evaluation Research

LO 2: Analysis of Data

  • Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Quantitative Data Analysis
  • Reading and Writing Social Research
  • Generation of findings from research
  • Discussion of findings in relation to relevant literature in the area
  • Identification of research limitations
  • Construction of conclusions and recommendations

LO 3: 

  • Assess the work of researchers
  • Describe different and competing research on similar topic

 

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Continuous Assessment Research Proposal Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 40 % End of Semester 1,4
2 Continuous Assessment Research Journal Coursework Assessment Individual Project 30 % OnGoing 1,2,3
3 Continuous Assessment Annotated Bibliography Coursework Assessment Written Report/Essay 30 % OnGoing 4

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Lecture Theatre Theory 2 Weekly 2.00
Tutorial Lecture Theatre Practical Work 2 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent learning 4 Weekly 4.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2018-01-02 Research Methods in Sport Learning Matters
ISBN 1526423502 ISBN-13 9781526423504

Packed full of essential tools and tips, this second edition is your quick-start guide to undertaking research within real world of sport. Using clear, accessible language, Smith maps an easy-to-follow journey through the research process, drawing upon the most up-to-date evidence and resources to help you select the most appropriate research approach for your project. Throughout the book you will discover: Key points that highlight important definitions and theories; Reflection points to help you make connections between key concepts and your research; Learning activities to put your newfound knowledge into practice; Further reading to explore the wider context of sport research in the real world. Featuring over thirty-five case studies of students and academics research in practice, this book is the perfect guide-by-your-side to have during your own sport research.

Required Reading
2022 Research Methods for Sports Studies
ISBN 103201752X ISBN-13 9781032017525

Research Methods for Sports Studies is a comprehensive, engaging and practical textbook that provides a grounding in qualitative and quantitative research for students studying programmes related to sport and physical activity. Leading the reader step-by-step through the entire research process, from identifying a research question and collecting and analysing data to writing and presenting the research report, the book is richly illustrated throughout with sport-related case studies and examples from around the world. Research Methods for Sports Studies is designed to be a complete and self-contained companion to any research methods course and contains a wealth of useful features, such as highlighted definitions of key terms, all-new case studies from active researchers and practical research exercises. Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, and in full colour for the first time, the book features expanded coverage of key topics such as online research, data visualisation, image analysis, source evaluation, mixed methods and the philosophical foundations of research. It also includes new material on the challenges of researching during a pandemic and reflects on the importance of diversity and inclusion, from feminist and indigenous methodologies to increased diversity of cases and researcher voices. This is an essential read for any student undertaking a dissertation or research project as part of their studies in sport, exercise and related fields, including sport management, sport development, the sociology of sport, sport marketing, sport-related tourism, sport coaching, physical education and other similar degrees. Additional online material is available for students and instructors, including web links, multiple-choice revision questions, PowerPoint slides and additional learning activities for use in and out of class.

Recommended Reading
2017-07-27 Research Methods World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN 9813229616 ISBN-13 9789813229617

For many students, doing research is often a joyless struggle. This book provides practical advice on how to do research in a concise way. It uses classic examples to show how experts conduct their research in different fields, allowing this book to be used in different disciplines. Research Methods: A Practical Guide for Students and Researchers provides a practical guide to students and researchers on how to do their research systematically and professionally. The book begins by distinguishing between causal and interpretive sciences. It then guides the reader on how to formulate the research question, review the literature, develop the hypothesis or theoretical framework, select a suitable research methodology, and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. The book emphasizes integration. It does not merely provide a smorgasbord of research designs, data collection methods, and ways to analyze data. Instead, it shows how one can integrate these elements into a coherent research strategy.

Recommended Reading
2017 Understanding Research Methods
ISBN 0415790522 ISBN-13 9780415790529

A perennial bestseller since 1997, this updated tenth edition of Understanding Research Methods provides a detailed overview of all the important concepts traditionally covered in a research methods class. It covers the principles of both qualitative and quantitative research, and how to interpret statistics without computations, so is suitable for all students regardless of their math background. The book is organized so that each concept is treated independently and can be used in any order without resulting in gaps in knowledge--allowing it to be easily and precisely adapted to any course. It uses lively examples on contemporary topics to stimulate students' interest, and engages them by showing the relevance of research methods to their everyday lives. Numerous case studies and end-of-section exercises help students master the material and encourage classroom discussion. The text is divided into short, independent topic sections, making it easy for you to adapt the material to your own teaching needs and customize assignments to the aspect of qualitative or quantitative methods under study--helping to improve students' comprehension and retention of difficult concepts. Additional online PowerPoint slides and test bank questions make this a complete resource for introducing students to research methods. New to this edition: New topic section on design decisions in research Additional material on production of knowledge and research methods Significant development of material on ethical considerations in research Fresh and contemporary examples from a wide variety of real, published research Topic-specific exercises at the end of each section now include suggestions for further steps researchers can take as they build their research project.

Module Resources

Journal Resources
URL Resources
Other Resources

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Additional Information

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