Module SPRT2201: RESEARCH METHODS

Department: APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES (SPORT)

SPRT2201: RESEARCH METHODS

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• Designed to help develop students' understanding of the appropriate methods for use when undertaking research in sport with an emphasis on social science approaches.

Content

• The research methods course will provide students with an understanding of appropriate methods for use when undertaking research in sport with an emphasis on social science approaches.
• The material from this course will provide an overview of the research process in the following areas: Research design; Undertaking a literature review; Research ethics; Developing a proposal; Data gathering techniques; Analysis and interpretation of data; Reporting research from findings.
• The module will focus on the research process related to positivist, interpretive and critical approaches. In addition, the module will include sessions on constructing a dissertation proposal in order to help students prepare for their year 3 dissertation.
• The course involves a range of teaching and learning strategies involving lectures, seminars, practicals, and fieldwork. Each of these approaches facilitates the learning process in different ways and will help students to become independent researchers.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand methodological issues which surround the conduct of research.

• Discuss the ethical issues involved in research.
• Develop a literature review.
• Conduct research interviews.
• Collect and analyse survey data.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of statistics.
• Prepare a viable research proposal.

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

• A variety of teaching and learning strategies are employed to enable students to attain the stated learning outcomes including lectures, seminar discussions, student-led seminars, handouts, question and answer sessions within lectures and seminars.
• Lectures enable students to gain key content knowledge and understanding related to the stated aims and learning outcomes.
• Seminars are based around support for students' participation in the research process. This includes discussions of data gathering and analysis, ethical issues, and details relating to the production of summative work.
• Practicals focus on computer-based sessions on statistics. Students will be able to develop knowledge and skills regarding strategies for effectively analysing and presenting data.
• The assessment involves a multi-method project and dissertation proposal. The project will enable students to gain experience of conducting and presenting research using different methods of data gathering and analysis. In addition, students will develop a proposal that will form the basis of their third year dissertation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Optional - 1500 word essay.

■ 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