Module Details

Module Code: SPRT7035
Title: Research Methods:Sport Science
Long Title: Research Methods:Sport Science
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8130 - Sports and Recreation
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module focuses on research methods and statistical analysis used in the Sport and Exercise Science and Leisure Industry fields. 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 Explain the role of market research in strategic decision making and the major steps in the marketing research process.
LO2 Formulate and justify appropriate research questions appropriate for sport, exercise and leisure industry research.
LO3 Implement effective data collection for sport, exercise and leisure industry research using appropriate methods.
LO4 Create a data analysis file, input data and clean the data for research in the areas of sport, exercise and leisure industry.
LO5 Summarise the data using descriptive statistics and appropriate graphs.
LO6 Compare and contrast different groups (e.g. males, females) in sport, exercise and leisure industry research using appropriate statistical tests.
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 vs Quantitative research. The role of and steps involved in Market Research in the Leisure Industry.
Planning a research project
Formulating effective research questions. Choosing appropriate scales and measurements. Questionnaire design.
Implementing a research project
Choosing an appropriate research design. How to effectively implement measurement procedures in sport, exercise and leisure.
Preparing the data file
Creating a data analysis file using a statistical package (e.g., SPSS) 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 differences
Sampling distributions means. Calculate the required sample size to obtain confidence intervals of required length for a single parameter. Confidence intervals and hypothesis tests for: one-sample mean; difference between two-sample means.
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 11 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Examination of the key concepts covered in the module relating to step in the market research process and data inputting & analysis.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 60
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 2,3,5,6
Assessment Description
Poster presentation and oral examination of the research project.
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 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
Lab Contact Data analysis Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Research Skills Lecture 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, IL, [ISBN: 9781450470445].
  • Pallant, J.. (2013), SPSS Survival Manual, 5th Edition. McGraw Hill, Berkshire, England., [ISBN: 9780335262588].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Triola, M.F.. (2014), Elementary Statistics, 12th Edition. Pearson, New York, [ISBN: 0321782682].
  • O'Shea, T.L.. (2013), Essential Statistics for Researchers, [ISBN: 9780957505902].
  • Malhotra, Naresh K.. Basic marketing research : integration of social media, 4th ed. Boston, MA : Pearson, c2012., [ISBN: 9780132570183].
  • Lynch, C.. (2010), Doing your Research Project in Sport, Learning Matters Ltd., Cornwall, England., [ISBN: 9781844451647].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BSPRT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Sport & Exercise Management 5 Mandatory
CR_BRECL_7 Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure Management 5 Mandatory