Research Methodology in Sports

Scholar Year: 2018/2019 - 1S

Courses

Head Teacher Responsability Teresa Palmira Simões Baptista Teixeira de Figueiredo Head

Weekly workload Hours/week T TP P PL L TC E OT OT/PL TPL O S Type of classes Lectures Type Teacher Classes Hours Contact hours Totals 1 4,33 Fernando Santos   4,33

Teaching language

Portuguese

Intended learning outcomes (Knowledges, skills and competencies to be developed by the students)

The student knows the research methodologies used in different areas within the framework of Sport Sciences.

The student demonstrates ability to do bibliographic research showing accuracy and objectivity in the analysis of scientific texts, with the goal of the production of summaries on specific subjects.

The student reveals skills to analyze research articles, with the goal of identifying the relevant issues that are addressed in the problem, the methodologies for the collection and analysis of the data and the main conclusions of the study.

The student reveals skills to collect empirical data on practical / laboratory classes, proceeding to their analysis by using descriptive statistics and the use of SPSS.

Syllabus

1. Basic concepts on research
Not scientific problem solving methods vs. scientific method. Key features of scientific research. Disclosure forms of scientific research and target audience.
2. Paradigms and research methods
Theoretical/applied research. Laboratory/ecological research. Quantitative/qualitative research.
3. Steps or stages of research
Literature review. Problem formulation and the definition of working hypotheses. Definition of the methodological procedures for the data collection. Data analysis and presentation of results. Conclusion and general discussion. References.
4. Selection and definition of procedural methods
Sample selection. Techniques and instruments for data collection (questionnaire; interview; naturalistic and systematic observation; battery tests; the use of other instrumental devices). Definition of the procedures for the collection of data. Data analysis techniques.
5. Key features of measuring instruments
Internal validity. Reliability of the observations. Sensitivity of the measuring instrument. Standard conditions for the implementation of measuring instrument.
6. Dissertation vs. research paper.

Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the UC intended learning outcomes

The course “Research Methodology in Sport” aims to convey a body of knowledge designed to enable the students to expertise basic concepts related to the issue of research in the area of Sport Sciences. In this sense, the UC is aimed to develop knowledge and basic skills on the part of students related to the characterization of the different stages and procedures inherent to the process of scientific research and also with the research methodologies that are frequently used in the study of physical activity and sport.

Teaching methodologies

The course’s work plan focus on the active participation of students based on information provided by the teacher and the support of recommended literature. The process will comprise: (a) the exposure of subjects by the teacher; (b) the realization of applied work in group, directed to the further development of program content (e.g. application forms, analysis of scientific texts and the discussion of issues); (c) laboratory classes, directed to the handling of research instruments and data collection.

At the end of the work, the expected competencies are centered in the following areas: (a) knowledge of the different stages and methodological procedures inherent to the scientific research; (b) skills to identify different research methodologies in the study of Physical Activity and Sport; (c) skills to collect empirical data on practical / laboratory classes, proceeding to their analysis by using descriptive statistics.

Demonstration of the teaching methodologies coherence with the curricular unit's intended learning outcomes

The primary purpose of this UC focuses on developing knowledge and basic skills on the part of students, related to the methods, stages and procedures that are inherent to the scientific research.

At the end, the expected skills are located around the following areas: (a) shows the appropriation of theoretical knowledge on the different themes addressed; (b) shows skills to collect empirical data, proceeding to their analysis by using descriptive statistics.

The syllabus approach will be performed initially through lectures for the presentation of the contents of the program, and then, through lessons for the development of practical/applied work related to the research in physical activity and sport.

Assessment methodologies and evidences

I) Process Evaluation (40%). Results of the student performance in the following tasks:
1. Oral presentation of a research paper in the field of Sport Sciences, with the delivery of its source and support of presentation(20%);
2. Worksheet based on the collection / analysis of empirical data (20%).
II) Product Evaluation (60%). It is expressed by the student's performance in a written test on the subject.

Attendance system

It is expected that each student is present in 70% of classes and participates in the discussion of the issues involved, as well as in the proposed tasks and group work.

Bibliography

American Psychological Association (2010). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.

Heinemann, K. (2007). Introducción a la Metodologia de la Investigación Empírica en las Ciências del Deporte. Barcelona: Editorial Paidotribo, SL.

Lakatos, E.M., & Marconi, M.A. (2008). Técnicas de Pesquisa: Planejamento e execução de pesquisas. Amostragens e técnicas de pesquisa. Elaboração, análise e interpretação de dados (7ª ed.). São Paulo: Editora Atlas.

Lakatos, E.M., & Marconi, M.A. (2010). Fundamentos de Metodologia Científica (7ª ed.). São Paulo: Editora Atlas.

Rosado, A., Mesquita, I., & Colaço, C. (2012). Desporto e Atividade Física: Métodos e técnicas de investigação qualitativa. Lisboa: Edições FMH.

Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., & Silverman, S.J. (2015). Research Methods in Physical Activity (7th Ed.). Champaign: Human Kinetics.

Marôco, J. (2018). Análise Estatistica com o SPSS Stastistics. Lisboa: ReportNumber.

Lessard-Hérbert, M., Goyette, G., & Boutin, G. (2012). Investigação qualitativa. Fundamentos e Práticas. Lisboa: Epistemologia e Sociedade.