Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module SPRT2181: RESEARCH METHODS

Department: APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES (SPORT)

SPRT2181: RESEARCH METHODS

Type Tied Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2005/06 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • Sport and Performance 2; Sport and Education; Sport and Exercise Physiology 2; Coaching in Sport.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • On completion of the module, students should have knowledge of the key aspects of the research process and an understanding of the methods used in sport-related research.

Content

  • The syllabus will provide students with an understanding of appropriate methods for use in sport-related research.
  • Material from this module will provide a review of the research process in the following areas: research design.
  • research ethics.
  • developing a proposal.
  • data gathering techniques.
  • analysis of data.
  • reporting research from findings.
  • The module will focus on the research process related to positivistic paradigms in term 1 and consider interpretative and critical approaches to research in term 2.
  • An introduction to statistics will form part of the term 1 content.
  • The module will include sessions on constructing a dissertation proposal in order to help students prepare for their year 3 dissertations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to: outline the research process.
  • explain the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods.
Key Skills:
  • analyse the findings of a piece of research.
  • undertake and report on a research project.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Students are given formal lectures on the research process, different methodologies and report writing.
  • They are then required to engage in a small-scale research project that demonstrates the application of an appropriate methodology, the use of relevant analytical skills and the ability to report on the project on an appropriate format.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 18 8 in Term 1, 6 in Term 2 and 4 in Term 3 1 hour 18
Tutorials 2 1 in Term 2 and 1 in Term 3 1 hour 2
Seminars 6 3 in Term 1 and 3 in Term 2 1 hour 6
Other (Directed Study) 12 3 in Term 1 and 3 in Term 2 1 hour 12
Preparation and Reading 162
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Research Project Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
multi-method research project 3500 words 100%
Component: Research Proposal Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
research proposal 1500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Research proposal 500 words.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University