92054 Research and Statistics for Sport and Exercise
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject assumes knowledge of fundamentals of research and scientific method contextualised to sport and exercise. It covers two areas: 1) conceptual and theoretical approaches to scientific inquiry, and 2) fundamentals of research methods. The first of these (two modules) addresses the nature of research and science, ethical implications and provides basic knowledge on critical thinking and logic. The second part (one module) covers the basics of research designs and fundamental concepts of statistics, including assessment of risk of bias.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Apply fundamental knowledge of science, research methods and logic to examine and critically appraise complex problems and theories. |
|---|---|
| B. | Conceptualise the research problem(s), conduct a preliminary review of related literature and define the research questions or hypotheses. |
| C. | Devise an outline strategy to address the research problem(s). |
| D. | Knowledge of basic statistical concepts in order to be able understanding the conceptual meaning of statistical test outputs. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Take personal, social and ethical responsibility for their contribution to sport, exercise and health (2.0)
- Competently apply knowledge and skills within the sport, exercise and health professions (3.0)
- Engage in research and critical thinking to integrate diverse knowledge and develop creative, effective and evidence-based solutions (4.0)
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with diverse populations to enable positive change (6.0)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject is designed to prepare research students to complete the research ethics and proposal stage of their respective awards. The focus of this subject is on the development of research and analytical skills relevant to research projects. Students will develop an understanding of the nature of science and research, and its relationship the development of knowledge. This subject will also focus on the conceptualisation and design of research projects, and provide skills for critical analysis and review of literature. Fundamental (first principles) concepts of statistic will also be addressed. Prior knowledge of the range of research methods used in sport and exercise disciplines may be helpful but not required.
Teaching and learning strategies
The following teaching and learning activities will be used to engage students with the content and achieve student learning outcomes:
- Interactive online learning
- Face-to-face lecture
- Face-to-face tutorial sessions (optional)
The online learning platform will provide students with essential background information required to develop research and analytical skills relevant to research students in sport and exercise science. This will be integrated with a face-to-face lecture. Students will also be required to complete learning activities embedded in the online platform. These activities are designed as self-assessments of the understanding of the various topics and are also used to introduce fundamental conceptual problems addressed during the subject. Activities also include completing prescribed readings, watching online videos, planning the research methods, and reflecting on progress. It is expected that the development of skills in this subject will follow the development of the research projects. The tutorial sessions (five face-to-face, one hour) involve both group and independent activities addressing specific issues (conceptual and methodological) related to the actual projects.
Assignments will be marked using a rating scale which will be provided to students, along with feedback about their work.
Content (topics)
- A primer on research methods and methodology
- The research process and research designs
- Evidence hierarchy: quality matters
- Accumulating knowledge: systematic review and meta-analysis
- Developing a systematic and a narrative review
- Description, prediction and causation
- Fundamental statistical concepts and common mistake
- Understanding science and the scientific method: philosophy of science
- Defining science and the scientific method
- Philosophy of science: history and milestones
- Philosophy of science: scientific reasoning and ethical issues
- Critical thinking and logic
- Critical thinking
- Logic: essentials
- Fallacies and bias
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Literature Review (Individual)
| Intent: | The purpose of this task is to examine the student's ability to develop a protocol to search, critically evaluate and synthesise literature pertinent to their individual research topic. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and B This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Max 2000 words |
Assessment task 2: Ethics Proposal / Methodology (Individual)
| Intent: | The purpose of this assessment is to examine the student's ability to develop a feasible high quality research project and demonstrate their understanding of ethical issues with their research. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 3: Presentation of Research Proposal (Individual)
| Intent: | The purpose of this assessment is to examine the student's ability to communicate their research. The presentation will be assessed on its scientific merit and potential to contribute to knowledge, research design, ethical considerations and project feasibility. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 40% |
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