Module Identifier SS29020  
Module Title RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS TWO  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Professor Jonathan H Doust  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Lecture   21 Hours 11 x 50 min lectures on statistics, 10 x 50 min lectures on research methodologies  
  Seminars / Tutorials   12 Hours 6 x 50 min sessions on abstract critique 6 x 50 min sessions on developing and reviewing preliminary dissertation proposals  
  Practical   11 Hours 11 x 50 min computer practicals on using SPSS  
Assessment Semester Exam   1.5 Hours Examination: Methodological crtique of research abstracts.   50%  
  Semester Exam   1.5 Hours Coursework: Computer-based test of competency in SPSS and interpretation of data assessment.   50%  
  Supplementary Exam   3 Hours 3 hour examination   100%  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to...

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of approaches to research in sport and exercise science
2. Critically analyze existing literature from a methodological viewpoint
3. Demonstrate competence in using SPSS for advanced statistical analysis and interpretation (specifically: ANOVA including one, two and repeated measures; multiple regression)
4. Develop and critique one posssible investigation for a final year project

Brief description

This module is concerned with developing students knowedge and understanding of research methods and statistics to an advanced level, enabling them to take a more sophisticated approach to material in other modules, and to enable them to undertake with confidence an extended independent investigation in the final year of their degree. Research methodologies will be considered in detail. Examples from existing literature will be studied to help students apply concepts in practice. Just over half the module will be concerned with developing skills in data analysis using SPSS. The module finishes with preparatory work for the Level 3 dissertation.

Aims

This module is concerned with developing students' knowledge and understanding of research methods and statistics to an advanced level, enabling them to take a more sophisticated approach to material in other modules, and to enable them to undertake with confidence an extended independent investigation in the final year of their degree. Research methodologies will be considered in detail. Examles from existing literature will be studied to help students apply concepts in practice. Just over half the module will be concerned with developing skills in data analysis using SPSS. The module finishes with preparatory work for the Level 3 dissertation.

1. To develop a detailed and self-critical appreciation of possible approaches to research and of the steps involved in the process of undertaking an investigation
2. To develop advanced statistical skills using SPSS
3. To formulate a possible investigation for the final year dissertation and to critically appraise such a proposal

Reading Lists

Books
** Should Be Purchased
Thomas, J. and Nelson, J.. (2001) Research methods in physical activity.. 4th ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, II
Vincent, W.J.. (1999) Statistics in kinesiology.. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, 11
Bland, M.. (2000) An introduction to medical statistics.. 3rd. Oxford University Press, Oxford
Cohen, L. and Holliday, M.. (1986) Statistics for social scientists.. Harper and Row
Morrow, J.R., Jackson, A.W., Disch, J.G. and Mood, D.P.. (2001) Measurement and evaluation in human performance.. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL
Niko's new book on SPSS.