TEXT:

Thomas, J.R. and J.K. Nelson (2001) Research Methods in Physical Activity (4th Ed.), Champaign: Human Kinetics

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is a required cours restricted to majors in the Department of Exercise Science. It introduces the design and application of research projects measuring cognitive, affective, and psychomotor performance. It includes the use of statistical procedures and the interpretation of published research in the discipline. The class includes lectures, discussions and outside projects.

PREREQUISITES:

MATH 160 and BIOL 221; both with minimum grade of "C"

PROBLEM SOLVING EMPHASIS:

The focus of this course is on designing, conducting, and reporting the results of research projects. Students must analyze questions and determine how to perform research and to report their results.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Students who complete this course will be expected to:

1. Explain the function and value of research to the education, coaching, sport science, and sports management fields.
2. Plan a research project based on a problem to be resolved by the research project.
3. Use statistical analytical procedures in the processing of research data.
4. Evaluate and understand basic research articles in the professional literature.
5. Explain or demonstrate how to apply the results of research in the professional literature.
6. Demonstrate the use of available computer technology in a research setting.

NOTE: The North Carolina State Competencies that apply to this course are the K-12 competency numbers: 17, 19, 20, 21, and 22 dealing with the principles and application of measurement and evaluation, including the design and construction of tests and research, and the appropriate use of computers and other available technologies.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Each student will choose a topic for a research project. The topic will be in the form of a "Problem" to be resolved through a research project. The best way to find a problem is to look through the recent research journals and find some articles that interest you. Read the abstracts in the beginning of the article. Most articles have recommendations for further research in the conclusions of the article. These recommendations may serve as suitable research "Problems".
2. The student will find five research articles from a refereed journal that deals with the topic. When you come up with a problem you need to search the literature for other articles on that topic. These can be found in the bibliography of the article you developed your problem, or can be found in a resource database, like Medline, Eric, or Sports Discus. We have some research journals in Campbell University's library. They include:
   1. Medicine and Science of Sports and Exercise
   2. Research Quarterly
   3. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
   4. Sports Medicine
   5. Physician and Sports Medicine
3. The student will write an abstract on two of the articles that will be approximately one page in length, double-spaced, including the single-spaced reference in APA format for the title. The abstracts must be a minimum of 250-300 words in length. The dates that they will be due will be given in class.
4. The student will write a research proposal of a simple research design to investigate the "Problem" using APA format. See handout on research proposal.

TOPICAL OUTLINE:

EVALUATION:

GRADING:

• A = 90 - 100%
• B = 80 - 89%
• C = 70 - 79%
• D = 60 - 69%
• F = < 60%

Critical Note: Late papers and tests will be graded down by one letter grade per weekday. Missed tests must be cleared before the test date and made up within two weekdays of the scheduled test date.

ATTENDANCE:

According to the catalogue, "No student will receive credit for any course in which he/she fails to attend at least 85% of the classes held....the 15% absences allowed are designed for, but not limited to, personal and family emergencies, inclement weather conditions, bona fide medical needs, and officially approved representation of the University, such as athletic teams, student congresses, and assessment testing. Students whose absences fall in these categories will be allowed to make up work; it is incumbent upon the student to notify the professor in advance when possible." Therefore, there are 42-50 minute classes in this course. If the student is absent 15% of the classes (6.3), this would be 7 absences, the student automatically fails.

STUDY SUGGESTIONS:

There are normally 10-20 pages covered in each lecture. You will be held responsible for this information, as well as extra information that is presented in lecture. The purpose of the lectures is to clarify, delineate, or expand on the information in the textbook. To gain the most from the lectures, you should have carefully read the textbook assignments prior to coming to class. Your responsiveness to the questions and discussion in class, or you lack of responsiveness, gives the instructor some clues as to your understanding of the material and possible problem areas that may need further assistance. Every day you should go over your notes and the readings to make sure you understand the information. This repetitive, but in depth review will reduce your stress and anxiety levels when studying for and taking the examinations. In addition to this daily review, please come in an ask for assistance if you are struggling with this course. I would be very pleased if everyone receives an A, because then I would be a great instructor and we would have worked well as a team. But if any of you fail then we have failed to work as a team. A team does not mean that one person does all the work and the other does nothing. We both have to work together. I will be putting study questions on my website. These will be ones that I gave in the past examinations. Review these questions and find the answers. If you cannot find the answer, please ask the instructor. I will notify you in class when I post the study questions. Study Questions