| Semester 1, 2023 Online | |
| Units : | 1 |
| School or Department : | School of Health and Medical Sciences |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
| Course fee schedule : | /current-students/administration/fees/fee-schedules |
Staffing
Course Coordinator:
Requisites
Pre-requisite: BIO1203 and BIO1206 and SES1002 and SES1103
Overview
This course provides an overview of a range of information and issues related to research and statistical analysis. The ability to be able to analyse and evaluate research literature is a focus. The course provides knowledge and practical skills to conduct a simple work related research project incorporating relevant statistical analysis as a way of highlighting the importance of developing best practice.
This course provides an overview of many aspects related to research methodologies, methods, and statistical analysis. A review of the integration of the relevant research information that has been outlined in the various courses in the program is provided and a consolidation of knowledge and skills is provided. The importance of applying latest research to ensure best practice is outlined. An outline of practical skills to be able to perform work based research proposal is provided.
Course learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
- Describe the nature of research, and how to interpret and evaluate the quality of information from a variety of sources in a sport and exercise context.
- Describe the primary types, applications and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research study designs.
- Appraise research methods and reports, including statistical results to understand methodological and ethical aspects of research, and integrate this knowledge into all areas of exercise science practice.
- Select and apply basic statistical analysis techniques to objectively analyse and interpret sport and exercise data.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Introduction to research What is research? Research philosophy. Reviewing the results of relevant evidence-based research and research literature. Database searching and referencing. Interpreting and applying evidence-based research to practice. Field and clinical research. |
10.00 |
| 2. |
Research methods and statistics Research design. Elements and applications of research design. Quantitative (observational studies, clinical trials), qualitative research, mixed methods and methods for specific settings. Perspectives and approaches/issues in research methodology, e.g., postmodern perspectives, narrative approaches (e.g., auto ethnography). Review of different types of research undertaken. Planning for research. Models and frameworks. |
30.00 |
| 3. |
Practical considerations of research Developing a work-based research proposal. Methodological tools in research, including surveys, interviews, content analysis and comparison. Validity and reliability of research process. Formulating a research question. Sampling, collecting, and analysing data - including issues such as randomness. Statistical methods and treatment. Statistical computer packages such as SPSS. |
30.00 |
| 4. |
Research Practice Research writing. Issues of research presentation: writing for journals, conference presentations, thesis writing. Postgraduate research - research questions, reviewing literature, understanding and selecting method and methodology, writing/presenting the dissertation (including style and referencing requirements). Research issues - controlling variables, ethical considerations, timelines and budgets. Research funding. |
15.00 |
| 5. |
Research and professional practice Research in the discipline areas of sport, health and fitness Integrating research from different discipline areas. Types of relevant research to use. Professional development, practice and research. Identifying research question, find evidence and support for plan and conduct purposeful practice-based research with clients. Review of various courses and aspects of research outlined in each (such as style, citing, relevant research findings etc.). Practical skills in research and completing and reviewing a work-based research project. Specific research and the profession across the lifespan and for special issues of clients. |
15.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
Student workload expectations
To do well in this subject, students are expected to commit approximately 10 hours per week including class contact hours, independent study, and all assessment tasks. If you are undertaking additional activities, which may include placements and residential schools, the weekly workload hours may vary.
Assessment details
| Description | Group Assessment |
Weighting (%) | Course learning outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | No | 20 | 2,3,4 |
| Quiz | No | 30 | 1,2,3 |
| Report | No | 50 | 4 |