Research Methods in Sport Science

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
SPSC 3256
Descriptive
Research Methods in Sport Science
Department
Sport Science
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 4 hours/week

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
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.

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 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.
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%

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.

Prerequisites

60 credits, including

ENGL 1130

and 

SPSC 2205

and

one of SPSC 1164 or SPSC 2275

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Which prerequisite