Module Identifier SS39540  
Module Title RESEARCH DISSERTATION  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Mark Burnley  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Other staff Dr David A Tod, Dr Glen Davison, Dr Joanne Thatcher, Dr Rhys Thatcher, Dr Sally Akehurst  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment 10,000 word dissertation90%
Semester Assessment Oral Research Presentation10%

Learning outcomes

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

1. Review literature on a specific topic to identify the principle comtemporary issues placed within the content of the prevailing theories and concepts of the (sub) discipline.
2. Formulate a research question based on the above.
3. Identify an appropriate experimental design and be able to reationalize that choice.
4. Develop the relevant skills needed for data collection.
5. Demonstrate an appreciate of legislation and professional practice through the production of a statement on ethics for the proposed study.
6. Oranganise and complete the collection of data in a valid and reliable manner.
7. Analyse and iterpret data using a sophisticated approach relevant to the research methodology.
8. Discuss data in the context of the reseach question and the extant literature.
9. Produce a written report.



Brief description

In this module students will complete a research project. In consultation with a tutor, students undertake a project on a topic of their choice. The project must involve a review of literature, the framing of research question (s), the collection of data in a laboratory or field setting, and a discussion of the results leading to a written dissertation of 10,000 words. The work is mainly completed independently and each student will be allocated a supervising tutor with whom they will meet regulary.

Aims

1. Identify and refine, through the review of literature and a consideration of research methodologies, a research question.
2. Develop an experimental design and refine appropriate skills for data collection.
3. Produce a statement on ethics for the proposed experimentation based on current legislation and professional practice.
4. Organise and complete data collection.
5. Analyse and interpret data.
6. Produce a written report.

Reading Lists

Books
Berry, R. (2000) The research project 4th ed. Open University Press, London
Bland, M. (2000) An introduction to medical statistics 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford
British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences (2001) Code of conduct BASES, Leeds
Eston, R. and Reilly, T. eds (2001) Kinanthropmetry and exercise physiology laboratory manual: tests, procedures and data. 2nd ed. Routledge, London
Girden, E.R. (1996) Evaluating research articles from start to finish Sage, London
Marrow, J.R., Jackson A.W., Disch, J.G., and Mood, D.P. (1995) Measurement and evaluation in human performance Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL
Punch, K. (2000) Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches Sage, London
Thomas, J. and Nelson, J. (2001) Research methods in physical activity 4th ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, II
Tomlinson, A. and Flemming, S. eds (1997) Ethics, Sport and Leisure: crises and critiques Meyer and Meyer, Aachen
Vincent, W.J. (1999) Statistics in kinesiology 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, II

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6