This module allows students the opportunity to further develop their research skills within sport, physical activity and rehabilitation. It will cover the practical usage and critical analysis of methodologies, including studies that utilised empirical data collection as well as review-based research.
The content will include a focus on positionality, research writing, research questions, design, data gathering, interpretation and data analysis, reporting, ethics, and issues such as sampling, carrying out research with adults and juniors, working in different social and cultural settings, applying findings to practice.
The module will provide students with an essential understanding of conducting research in a real-world sport/physical activity/rehabilitation environment and will provide a firm grounding for their master’s dissertation research.
Content
It will be heavily supported by pre-recorded and designed material and have specific tasks to be completed by students. The online provision will provide access to three core knowledge blocks. The knowledge blocks are: (1) reviews, (2) quantitative designs and (3) qualitative/mixed-methods designs.
The knowledge blocks will be split into 3 units each. Each student will be expected to complete 3 out of 3 units (9 units in total) and one unit of assessment
Structure
The module would run completely online, have webinars or recorded video logs to provide the same learning opportunities across campuses/programmes. The module would use discussion boards for support and the latest developments in IT have been developed to enhance engagement with the lectures and content in a DL format.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate and advanced understanding of positionality in relation to research questions, design and conduct
Critically evaluate the key research methodologies in their field of study
Through critical analysis identify appropriate methods of data collection and analysis for different types of research
Critically evaluate the wider issues surrounding research (e.g. ethics, research governance)
Design research using advanced methods to answer current practical and theoretical questions in their area of study
Assessments: Methods of summative assessment will include the submission of two narrated PowerPoints: 1. one research proposal outline (35%) (approximately 3-5 slides) and 2. one final research proposal (65%) (approximately 18-20 slides)
Reassessment:
If the module mark falls below 50% as a total, students will be required to resubmit their final research proposal as a narrated PowerPoint (approximately 18-20 slides)