Research Design and Evaluation

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:

1. To develop students’ understanding of the research process and dissertation requirements
2. To provide detail on literature reviews and research methodology, including ethical, philosophical and practical issues surrounding social scientific research
3. To allow students to apply the above to their own individual research project

This module will provide students with such knowledge and a base from which to develop their own dissertations at level 3.

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. Synthesise existing literature related to the research process and their own individual research topic (LO1)
2. Evaluate research methodologies and methods, and apply this knowledge to their own individual research topic (LO2)

Considering research ‘paradigms’

Reviewing existing literature

Ethical considerations in designing and implementing research projects

Identifying the research question/problem

Designing questionnaires, interviews, etc

Presenting data from: questionnaires, interviews, observation

Reporting effective interviewing

The dissertation -- expectations and format

Constructing research proposals

Contact time:

Lectures, workshops and discussions

Non-contact time:

Student reading, preparation and assessment completion

Books:

Andrews, D. Mason, D. and Silk, M (2005) Qualitative Methods in Sports Studies. London: Berg

Berry, R. (1994) The Research Project: How to Write it (3^rd Ed.), London: Routledge.

Bryman, A. (2007) Social Research Methods (4^th ed.), Oxford: OUP.

Flick, U. (2002) An Introduction to Qualitative Research. (2^nd ed.) London: Sage. 

Long, J. (2007) Researching Leisure, Sport and Tourism, London: Sage.

McFee, G. and Tomlinson, A. (eds.) (1997) Ethics, Sport and Leisure - Crises and Controversies, Aachen: Meyer & Meyer.

Preece, R. (1994) Starting Research -- An Introduction to Academic Research and Dissertation Writing, London: Pinter Publishers.

Ramazanoglu, C and Holland, J. (2002) Feminist methodology. Challenges and Choices, London: Sage.

Silverman, D. (2000) Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook. London: Sage.

Journals:

International Review for the Sociology of Sport

Leisure Studies

Electronic sources: all accessed November 22^nd 2008

Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project -- A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science (4^th Ed.), Buckingham, Open University Press.

Burgess, R. G. (ed.) (2006) Field Research: A Sourcebook and Field Manual. London: Taylor and Francis.

Gratton, C, and Jones, I. (2004) Research Methods for Sport Studies. London: Routledge.

Laker, A. (2003) The Future of Physical Education: Building a New Pedagogy. London: Routledge