Unit 4 Research methods for sport and exercise … Know quantitative data analysis techniques for the sport and exercise sciences. Unit contents

Unit 4 Research methods for sport and exercise sciences

BTEC Level 3 National Sport and Exercise

Sciences

1 © Pearson Education Ltd 2010. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

Unit overview Credits: 10 Research is becoming more important and widely recognised in the world of sport. As sport has become more business like and there are greater pressures for success, sports organisations are always looking for the next advantage over their competitors. The purpose of research is to advance knowledge about different areas, this guides the practice of people that work within sport including coaches, sport scientists and health practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this unit is to help learners develop their knowledge, understanding and skills within research methods.

On completion of this unit, learners should: LO1 Know key issues in research methods for the sport and exercise sciences LO2 Know data collection techniques for the sport and exercise sciences LO3 Know qualitative data analysis techniques for the sport and exercise sciences LO4 Know quantitative data analysis techniques for the sport and exercise sciences.

Unit contents The scheme of work for this unit links to the following resources to help you deliver Unit 4.

LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Lesson plan LP Activity sheet AS1, AS2, AS3 AS1, AS4, AS5 AS1, AS6, AS7 AS1, AS8 Stretch and support E1 E2, E3 E3 E3 Presentation PPT

All these resources can be found on the accompanying CD-ROM, as well as an editable version of the scheme of work, answers to activity sheet questions and questions in the student book.

Links to other units This unit is inherently linked to Unit 5 Research project for sport and exercise sciences, as the techniques learned in this unit will be used to complete the final research project. Links can also be made to other units where learners can develop research skills through real life examples. For example, Unit 2 Sport and exercise physiology could be used to help learners understand the concept of laboratory based data collection and Unit 7 Exercise, health and lifestyle could be used to help learners understand the use of different types of interview.

Get the latest samples online at:www.pearsonschoolsandfecolleges.co.uk/btecsport

BTEC Level 3 National Sport and Exercise Sciences


Stretch and support To support each of the activities throughout this unit, tutors could direct learners towards textbooks, journals or websites, provide support when learners are developing arguments or examples and encourage group work so that learners can develop ideas with peers.

E1: Key issues in research methods More able learners could be encouraged to look at different examples of key issues in research methods within their work. For example, they could expand on pass level work that looks at validity by looking at the different types of validity. Learners could be further stretched by being encouraged to look at how the different key issues can influence the overall quality of research.

E2: Ethical and legal issues in sport After examining the different ethical and legal issues associated with research, learners could be encouraged to look at the implications of not working ethically and legally within research. More able learners could examine why different measures are used to ensure ethical and legal guidelines are followed and what the implications of not following guidelines are and how this could affect the research career of an individual.

E3: Data collection and analysis methods in research After selecting appropriate research design, data collection methods and data analysis methods, learners could be stretched by examining why those methods are appropriate for their given research example. Learners could provide a suitable argument to support their choice. Learners could be further stretched by encouraging use of each of the different research methods and looking at why some others may not be suitable for a given research example.


3 ©

Pearson E

ducation Ltd 2010. Copying perm

itted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

Unit 4 R

esearch methods

for sport and exercise sciences Scheme of work Unit 4 Research methods for sport and exercise sciences Broad aim: To give learners an awareness of the different key issues, data collection and data analysis techniques associated with research methods.

Tutor(s):

Academic year:

Number of weeks: 36

Duration of session: 100 minutes

Guided learning hours: 60

Credits: 10

SB = Student Book

PPT = PowerPoint®

NS = Non-supervised individual study time

AS = Activity Sheet

V = Video

R = Research

Week Outcome/topic Content Learner activity Resources Assessment and PLTS

Stretch and support

1 Introduction Introduction to research methods in sport and exercise sciences

Introduction to assessment 1

Research key definitions using AS1 as a guide

AS1 SB Unit 4

All assessment criteria

PLTS IE

More able learners could research different definitions before selecting their final choice

2 LO1: types of research

The differences between qualitative and quantitative research, when to use each type of research and the benefits of each type of research

Completion of AS1 Completion of AS2

AS1 AS2 SB Unit 4 p.4

Assessment P1, P2, M1, D1

PLTS CT

3 LO1: key issues in research

Introduction to the different key issues in research

Discuss the different key issues, their importance in research and produce examples of each of the different key issues in research

SB Unit 4 p.4–6 Assessment P1, P2, M1, D1

PLTS CT, TW

Support learners who struggle to grasp the importance of the key issues

More able learners to explain the different key issues in research and analyse their importance in research

4 LO1: key issues in research methods

Completion of assessment 1 NS – completion of assessment 1 SB Unit 4 p.4–6

Assessment brief SB Assessment activity 4.1

Assessment P1, P2, M1, D1

PLTS CT, SM

Support learners who struggle to grasp the importance of the key issues

More able learners to explain the different key issues in research and analyse their importance in research


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earson Education Ltd 2010. C

opying permitted for purchasing institution only. This m

aterial is not copyright free. 4 B

TEC Level 3 N

ational Sport and Exercise Sciences

Week Outcome/topic Content Learner activity Resources Assessment and

PLTS Stretch and support

5 LO2: types and classifications of data

Introduction to assessment 2

PPT on types and classifications of data

Discussion work around the different types and classifications of data and thinking of different examples of each in sport and exercise research

SB Unit 4 p.7

ICT facilities for PPT

Assessment P3

PLTS EP

More able learners could assist with peer learning and explain their examples of different types and classifications

6 LO2: research designs

Introduction to the different research designs commonly used in sport and exercise research

Case study work surrounding different research examples and which research designs would be most appropriate for the examples

SB Unit 4 p.12–13

Case studies (tutor to source)

Assessment P3, M3

PLTS CT

Support completion of the case study work

More able learners could consider the range of designs that could be used then select the one they feel is most appropriate

7–12 LO2: qualitative data collection techniques

Introduction and discussion of each of the different qualitative data collection techniques, their benefits and limitations.

Demonstration of examples of each of the different techniques

Discuss when each of the different data collection techniques could be used

Practise using each of the different techniques in groups (e.g. producing interview guides and practising interviews in pairs)

Completion of AS4

SB Unit 4 p.7–10

AS4 Assessment P3, M3

PLTS CT, EP, TW

Support the production of interview guides, questionnaires, observation checklists and support the completion of AS4

Learners could examine range of opportunities to use the different collection methods

13–18 LO2: quantitative data collection techniques

Discussion of each of the different quantitative data collection techniques, their benefits and limitations.

Demonstration of examples of each of the different techniques

Discussion of when each of the different data collection techniques could be used

Practise using each of the different techniques in groups (e.g. testing VO2 max using both laboratory based and field based techniques to see which is most accurate/precise)

Completion of AS5

SB Unit 4 p.10–12


PLTS CT, EP, TW

Support the use of different data collection techniques support the completion of AS5

Learners could examine the range of opportunities to use the different collection methods


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Unit 4 R

esearch methods

for sport and exercise sciences Week Outcome/topic Content Learner activity Resources Assessment and


19 LO2: ethical and legal issues in research

Discussion of ethical and legal issues in research, the role of the BASES Code of Conduct in research and the implications of not working ethically and legally

Research on BASES Code of Conduct

Completion of AS3

AS3 SB Unit 4 p.14–16

BASES Code of Conduct

Assessment P4, M2, D2

PLTS CT

More able learners could produce examples of each of the ethical and legal issues and present their findings to the group

More able learners could also look at why the different measures to stop research are put in place after misconduct

20 LO2: data collection in research

Completion of assessment 2 NS – completion of assessment 2 SB Assessment activity 4.2 and 4.3

AS3 AS4 AS5

BASES Code of Conduct

Assessment P3, M2, D2

PLTS CT, SM

21–27 LO3: qualitative data analysis

Demonstration of each of the different qualitative data analysis stages

Re-visit research designs and qualitative data collection techniques to help learners complete AS7

Practise using each of the different stages of qualitative data analysis with sample data sets and through group based discussions

Completion of AS6

Group work to complete AS7

SB Unit 4 p.16–19

AS6 AS7

Assessment P5, M3

PLTS CT, TW

Support learners by practising data analysis techniques

More able learners to consider which research designs, data collection methods and data analysis methods could be used for selected research based examples

28 LO3: qualitative data analysis

Completion of assessment 3 NS – completion of assessment 3 SB Assessment activity 4.4

AS6

AS7

Assessment P5, M3

PLTS CT, IE


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aterial is not copyright free. 6 B

TEC Level 3 N

ational Sport and Exercise Sciences

Week Outcome/topic Content Learner activity Resources Assessment and


29–35 LO4: quantitative data analysis

Introduction to assessment 4 requirements

Demonstration of the methods of organising and displaying data, measures of central tendency and data analysis techniques through different investigations

Discussion of when each method of data analysis would be used in a research setting

Revisit the different research designs and data collection methods that are specific to quantitative research to assist with completion of AS8

Practise using each of the different aspects of quantitative data analysis

Completion of AS8

SB Unit 4 p.20–32

AS8

Facilities to complete sample investigations

Assessment P6, M4

PLTS CT, TW, EP

Support learners by describing parametric and non-parametric examples

More able learners to examine when different quantitative research methods are used and why

36 LO4: quantitative data analysis

Completion of assessment 4 NS – completion of assessment 4 SB Assessment activity 4.5


PLTS CT, IE


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Unit 4 R

esearch methods

for sport and exercise sciences

Lesson plan – Week 2 Aim Learners to understand the concept of research.

SB = Student Book

E = Extension for Stretch and support

AS = Activity sheet

This is a 100-minute lesson.

Learning outcomes ● All students will know the key terms associated with research and will be able to describe qualitative and quantitative research ● Most students will understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative research ● Some students will understand the applications of qualitative and qualitative research

Timing/ content

Objectives Tutor activity Learner activity Resources Individualised activity/differentiation

PLTS Functional Skills

5 minutes Learners to understand the learning objectives

Outline learning objectives Write down the learning objectives

55 minutes Learners to understand the key terms associated with research methods

Introduce worksheet and structure the activity

Check successful completion of work sheet using answer sheet

Group based research activity

Completion of AS1 in groups

AS1 SB

All learners to complete AS1 successfully

EP, TW ICT – finding information

30 minutes Learners to understand the benefits of qualitative and quantitative research

Tutor to introduce concepts of qualitative and quantitative research and facilitate group discussion regarding the two research approaches

Contribution to group based discussion

Completion of AS2

AS2 SB Unit 4

All learners to describe qualitative and quantitative research

Some learners to understand the applications of qualitative and quantitative research

EP English speaking and listening

10 minutes Review the session and set future targets

Check learning through directed and open questions

Respond to tutor questions

Record any independent work to be completed

AS1 AS2




Glossary of terms Find a definition for each of the following terms to form a glossary for this unit.

Accuracy

ANOVA

Causality

Chi-squared test

Correlation

Dependent variable

Descriptive statistics

External validity

Hypothesis

Independent variable

Inferential statistics

Inter-researcher reliability

Non-parametric test

Null hypothesis

Outlier

Parametric test

Precision

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Reliability

Research

Research design

Standard deviation

T-test

Test–retest reliability

Validity

Variable

AS1


© Pearson Education Ltd 2010. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only. This material is not copyright free.

Unit 4 Research methods for Sport and Exercise Sciences

9

Benefits of qualitative and quantitative research

Fill in each column in the table below with the benefits of qualitative and quantitative research.

Benefits of qualitative research Benefits of quantitative research

AS2




Ethical and legal issues in sport and exercise research

Obtain a copy of the British Association for Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Code of conduct from www.bases.org.uk.

Highlight all the ethical and legal issues.

Describe at least two ethical or legal issues, then explain what could happen if you do not adhere to the ethical and legal guidelines when conducting research in sport and exercise. Use the Student Book to help you.

Issue 1:

Implications of not adhering to this guideline:

Issue 2:

Implications of not adhering to this guideline:

AS3




11

Qualitative data collection techniques

Summarise the strengths and weaknesses of each data collection technique, and when it could be used in the table below.

Techniques Strengths Weaknesses When it could be used

Interviews

Questionnaires

Observations

AS4




Quantitative data collection methods

Complete the table with information about quantitative data collection methods.

Whe

n it

coul

d be

use

d

Wea

knes

ses

Stre

ngth

s

Des

crip

tion

Met

hods

Que

stio

nnai

re

(sur

vey)

Fiel

d ba

sed

Labo

rato

ry b

ased

AS5




13

Qualitative data analysis Explain each stage of data analysis, referring to the presentation that your tutor delivers and the Student Book.

Data reduction

Displaying data

Drawing conclusions and verifying data

AS6




Qualitative research For each example, select and justify an appropriate research design and data collection and analysis techniques.

Example 1

You are investigating the psychological effects of a cruciate ligament injury on a professional football player, from immediately after surgery until he returns to play (a period of 6–8 months). You want to find out how the athlete responds to the injury, how their responses to the injury change over a long period of time and how they develop as an individual throughout the injury. You want to be able to give the participant the opportunity to discuss their feelings openly in a one to one situation.

Suitable research design

Suitable data collection/analysis technique(s)

Justification of collection/analysis technique(s)

Example 2

You want to investigate levels of team cohesion in a group of cricket players, with a view to improving cohesion within the team. To do this effectively you will need to get the views of the players, coaches and support staff relatively quickly and do more in-depth analysis with some of the team; research from ‘the inside’ would also be useful.


Suitable data collection/analysis technique(s)

Justification of collection/analysis technique(s)

AS7




15

Examples of quantitative research For each example, select and justify an appropriate research design, and data collection and analysis techniques.

Example 1

Working with a group of football players, you want to investigate the effects of imagery on penalty taking performance. You will be looking at the effects of a treatment on performance and will be taking measurements from the same group on two separate occasions.


Suitable data collection technique(s)

Justification of data collection technique(s)

Suitable data analysis technique(s)

Justification of data analysis technique(s)

Example 2

You are investigating public preferences for sport. You will need to collect a large amount of data from a large population in a relatively short space of time then present the data in a way that illustrates the preferences.


Suitable data collection technique(s)

Justification of data collection technique(s)

Suitable data analysis technique(s)

Justification of data analysis technique(s)

AS8




Student book answers Just checking, page 34 1. What is research?

A systematic process of discovery and the advancement of human knowledge.

2. What is qualitative research?

A more subjective form of research that collects non-numerical data, in the form of meanings, opinions and beliefs, which can be used to explain causality, differences and relationships.

3. What is quantitative research?

A formal, objective, systematic process in which numerical data are used to obtain information. It is generally deductive research and is designed to establish differences, relationships or causality (does one thing cause another?)

4. What are the key issues associated with research methods?

Validity, reliability, accuracy, precision

5. What are the different types and classifications of data?

Types: primary, secondary; Classifications: discrete, ordinal, continuous, interval, ratio

6. What are the common research designs used in research?

Experimental, cross-sectional, case study, longitudinal, comparative

7. What is the BASES Code of Conduct and why is it important?

It is a code of practice that governs the work of sport and exercise scientists. It is important in research as it outlines all of the professional standards that should be maintained, including the ethical and legal issues associated with work as a sport and exercise scientist in a research setting.

8. What are the different stages of qualitative data analysis?

Data reduction, displaying data, drawing conclusions and verifying data

9. What are the different ways of organising quantitative data?

Range, rank order distribution, simple frequency distribution, grouped frequency distribution

10. What are the different ways of displaying quantitative data?

Graphs, histograms, bar charts, cumulative frequency graphs, distribution curves

11. What are the different measures of central tendency and variability?

Central tendency = mean, median, mode; Variability = standard deviation

12. What are the different types of inferential statistics used in quantitative research?

Parametric (e.g. t-tests) and non-parametric (e.g. Wilcoxen Matched Pairs Signed Ranks Test)


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Unit 4 Research methods for sport and exercise … Know quantitative data analysis techniques for the sport and exercise sciences. Unit contents