Course

Research Methods in Sport Science

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Sport Science
Course code
SPSC 3256
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Course description
This course provides students with an overview of research methodologies used within the interdisciplinary field of Sport Science. This course aims to develop students’ research literacy, by preparing them to interpret, evaluate, and use others’ research, design and plan their own research, and foster evidence-based decision making in careers related to Sport Science.
Course content
  • Research literacy
    • Different ways of knowing
    • Goals of research 
    • Types of data sources 
    • Theories and paradigms
  • Research ethics
    • Tri Council Policy Statement 2
    • Ethical review process
    • Key ethical principles
    • Research with Indigenous Peoples
  • Qualitative designs
    • Interview-based, field-based, and content-based
    • Innovative designs
    • Sampling, participants, and setting
  • Qualitative methods
    • Observations (participatory and non-participatory), interviews (open, semi-structured, structured, focus groups), documents
    • Innovative methods
  • Quantitative designs
    • Experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental
    • Innovative designs
    • Measurements and measures 
    • Sampling, participants, and setting
  • Quantitative methods
    • Observations, questionnaires, and surveys
    • Innovative methods
  • Data analysis and interpretation
    • Thematic, deductive, and inductive approaches
    • Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics
  • Evaluating research
    • Transferability and trustworthiness
    • Validity and reliability
  • Fundamentals of a research proposal
    • Problem statements
    • Literature reviews
    • Methodology
    • Ethics
    • Limitations and contributions
Learning activities

Classroom time will be used for lectures, small and large in-person discussions, problem-solving practice, case-study analysis, and/or in-class assignments. Work outside of class may include reading and quizzes.

Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Participation                                            0-10%

Tri Council Policy Statement 2 Module       5-15%

Test(s) or Quizzes                                 15-40%

Assignments (minimum of 2)                 10-30%

Research Proposal                                  10-30%

Total                                                    100%

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • critically examine research as it is presented in the media/pop culture;
  • describe how knowledge is generated through the research process;
  • articulate the underlying epistemological assumptions of research methodologies;
  • identify the strengths and limitations of research designs, methods, and approaches to data analysis;
  • identify appropriate data analysis tools for specific research designs;
  • apply key ethical principles to research scenarios;
  • define and correctly apply a range of relevant research methods and terminology;
  • access, use, and critically evaluate published research;
  • develop a research proposal to address a chosen research question;
  • articulate the influence of historical, social, cultural, and political contexts on the research process and the outcomes of research.
Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Kowalski, K. et al (Current Edition). Research Methods in Kinesiology. Oxford University Press.

Requisites

Prerequisites

60 credits, including

ENGL 1130

and 

SPSC 2205

and

one of SPSC 1164 or SPSC 2275

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for SPSC 3256
Camosun College (CAMO) CAMO KIN 310 (3)
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) UBCV KIN_V 205 (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV KIN 301 (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2026

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
0
Remaining seats:
30
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N1231
Times:
Start Time
12:30
-
End Time
15:20
Section notes

SPSC 3256 001 - Registration is restricted to Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching and Sport Science Diploma students until December 1st, 2025.