SP4003 - Introduction to Research

You will learn about the research process (e.g., developing a research question and ethical considerations) and be introduced to the scientific method such as the basic concepts of planning, collecting, organising, and analysing data and report-writing in sport, exercise and rehabilitation. Learning materials will be delivered via interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, directed tasks and independent study. You will learn the basics about managing, analysing and interpreting data in practical-computer-lab workshops comprising the quantitative method of enquiry. You will also be introduced to basic methods of working with data from interviews and focus groups comprising the qualitative method of enquiry.

As a core module shared across undergraduate sport programmes, it offers you the opportunity to work with and learn from peers from other disciplines. Some elements of the taught content, and the direction of the assessment task, will be specific to your core discipline to ensure that you develop the most appropriate and relevant skills and knowledge.

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP module site. Material to support your learning (such as lecture slides and directed tasks) will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The practical-sessions will provide you with the opportunity to engage with the module tutors to problem-solve the tasks. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module (i.e., during the practical workshops), and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There are also further academic skills support available from the University Library services where you can gain access to study skills / academic writing and support materials, as well as links to booking both on and off campus study skills sessions.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Describe the systematic process of the scientific method and its application to quantitative and qualitative problems
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of experimental design
3. Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of basic statistical techniques

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Independently identify different types of research problems relevant to sport, exercise and rehabilitation and conduct and interpret basic analysis of related data

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Demonstrate a basic understanding of ethical principles as they relate to research conducted on human participants

Formative assessment will take place during the practical workshops throughout the semester.

Formal (summative) assessment will comprise an end-of-module examination. The exam comprises MCQ and short answer sections (MLOs 1-5).
The exam will assess:
• A basic understanding of the scientific method
• An appreciation of experimental design at a basic level
• The ability to calculate basic statistics
• Ability to independently identify different types of research problem
• Application of computer-based statistical analysis
• An awareness of ethical considerations in research
• Ability to summarise data in a written format

You will receive written feedback on your summative assessment to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial.

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Have you ever wondered how we might find out what the optimal training load is to improve an athlete’s performance, how exercise may improve mental health outcomes, or how athlete’s value the relationship with their coaches? This module will introduce you to the research process involved in answering unknown questions in relation to sport, exercise and rehabilitation. You will be introduced to and guided through the research process involved in generating new information via scientific methods. The module will provide both a theoretical and practical introduction to basic experimental approaches and data analysis techniques and demonstrate the usefulness and limitations of research-generated information.