International study at the University of Brighton

Data Analysis and Research Methods

Level: 5
Credit rating: 10
Module type: Taught
Semester offered: 2
Pre-requisites: None
Aims:

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 2 study.

The aims of this module are to:

  1. Introduce a selected range of statistical tests, the assumptions underlying them and the output resulting from these tests.
  2. Enable students to present data and the results of statistical tests in an appropriate manner.
  3. Enable students to appropriately select and use qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate sport coaching research problems.
  4. Enable students to develop a feasible dissertation research project proposal based upon a sound research question.
  5. Develop students’ abilities to interpret and report previous research.
Learning outcomes

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 2 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

  1. Run a range of statistical tests, state the assumptions underlying them and interpret the output resulting from these tests.
  2. Present data and the results of statistical tests in an appropriate manner.
  3. Appropriately select and use qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate sport coaching research problems.
  4. Develop a feasible dissertation research project proposal based upon a sound research question.
  5. Interpret and report previous research appropriately.
Content:

The content of this module includes: Univariate parametric statistics and non-parametric equivalents, data presentation, output interpretation, qualitative and quantitative methods, use of the statistical package SPSS, literature reviewing and writing styles, developing a research proposal.
Learning and teaching strategies:

Contact-time:

  • Lectures
  • small-task group work
  • practical computer-based sessions
  • formative feedback on dissertation research proposals 

Non-contact:

  • independent study worksheets
  • student reading
  • practice exam papers in preparation for assessment
Learning support:

Burton, A.W. & Miller, D.E. (1998). Movement Skill Assessment. Leeds: Human Kinetics.

Field, A. (2005). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS (2nd edition). London: Sage.

Field, A. (date unknown) Statistics Hell [online] www.statisticshell.com (accessed January, 2009)

Hopkins, W.G. (2008). A New View of Statistics [online], Auckland: New Zealand: SportScience.www.sportsci.org/resource/stats/index.html (accessed January, 2009)

Hughes, M. & Franks, I.M. (2008). Essentials of Performance Analysis: An Introduction. London: Routledge.

Knudson, D.V. & Morrison, C. S. (2002) Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement (2nd edition).  Leeds: Human Kinetics.

Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K. & Silverman, S.J. (2005). Research methods in physical activity (5th edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

University of Brighton (date unknown) StudentCentral studentcentral.brighton.ac.uk Mills, S. (2006). SPSS 14.0 for Windows: The Basics. (study support guide)

Vincent, W.J. (2005). Statistics in Kinesiology (3rd edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

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