Module Details

Module Code: SPRT7041
Title: Research Methods: Coaching
Long Title: Research Methods: Coaching Science
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8130 - Sports and Recreation
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module focuses on research methods and statistical analysis appropriate for use in the Coaching Science and Physical Education domains. Knowledge, skills and competencies relating to planning, implementing and evaluating research projects are developed.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Plan and conduct data collection adhering to ethical principles using appropriate methods for research in the coaching science and sports pedagogy domains.
LO2 Create a data analysis file, input data and clean the data for research in the coaching science and sports pedagogy domains.
LO3 Summarise the data using descriptive statistics and present this data appropriately using graphs, tables, direct quotes as appropriate.
LO4 Assess data for normality and conduct tests of significance to analyse the data using appropriate parametric and non-parametric tests.
LO5 Effectively present findings relating to a minor research study clearly, coherently and suitably via poster presentation and oral examination.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to Research
Overview of the research process and steps involved in the process. Qualitative and Quantitative research. How research is conducted and can inform practice in the coaching science and sports pedagogy domains. Develop an appreciation and understanding of key research paradigms pertaining to how the researcher views the world e.g. pragmatism, constructivism, transformativism.
Planning a research project
Formulating effective research questions. Choosing appropriate scales and measurements. Questionnaire design to effectively answer research questions. The importance of validity and reliability within research.
Conducting data collection adhering to ethical principles
Choosing an appropriate research design. How to effectively conduct measurement procedures in coaching science and sports pedagogy research domains. Ethical considerations in research relating specifically to: GDPR; consent forms; information sheets confidentiality and anonymity. Research integrity principles in relation to reliability, honesty, respect and accountability.
Preparing the data file
Creating a data analysis file using a statistical package (e.g.SPSS, Excel) and entering data. Use basic descriptive statistics (both graphical and numerical) to screen and clean the data, along with investigating the presence of outliers and missing data.
Probability Distributions
Random variables. Normal probability distributions (with discussion around other distributions). Use of statistical tables.
Statistical techniques to explore data
Use of descriptive statistics to summarise the data (Mean, standard deviation and frequency statistics). Use of statistical tests of significance to examine various research questions relating to relationships between variables, differences between groups. Use of parametric and non-parametric analysis as appropriate.
Qualitative Research & Analysis
Methodological approaches to structuring qualitative data collection e.g. focus groups, interviews. Analysis of qualitative analysis thematic coding process. Interpretation and presentation of qualitative analysis.
Presentation of Results
How to present the findings from research in a clear coherent manner.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Examination of the key concepts covered in the module relating to research design, data inputting & analysis. Formative assessment, feedback and the critical role of reflective practice (before and after class) is embedded into the lab experience on a weekly basis to support the learning process.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Assessment Description
Poster presentation and oral examination of the research project. Supporting reflective journal supporting and justifying key decisions made as part of the research process.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Research Skills Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab based data analysis Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Planning, implementing and evaluating research Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Research Skills Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Data Analysis Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Planning, implementing and evaluating research Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., Silverman, S.J.. (2015), Research Methods in Physical Activity, 7th Edition. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois, [ISBN: 9781450470445].
  • Pallant, J.. (2013), SPSS Survival Manual, 5th Edition. McGraw Hill, Berkshire, UK, [ISBN: 9780335262588].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Triola, M.F.. (2014), Elementary Statistics, 12th Edition. Pearson, New York, [ISBN: 0321782682].
  • Lynch, C.. (2010), Doing your Research Project in Sport, Learning Matters Ltd., Cornwall, UK., [ISBN: 9781844451647].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BCSSP_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Coaching Science and Sports Pedagogy 6 Mandatory