SP5012 - Sport Research in Practice

What will I learn on this module?

Sport Research in Practice moves you further on in your research enquiry by supporting you to generate a research question, and to learn how to collect and analyse data to answer this.

In order to do this you will be introduced to key concepts, perspectives and activities in social research relevant to your study of sport. You will develop knowledge and understanding about:
- research questions and rationales
- belief systems about what we can know and how we can know it (Ontology and Epistemology),
- how we can go about finding out? (Methodology),
- collecting or generating data (Methods) and;
- analysing and interpreting findings (Analysis).

You will learn how to bring all these elements together by working ethically through a research process and engaging in practical research design using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The module focuses on practical interviewing and questionnaires experience, as well as ethically appropriate data collection and analysis. Ultimately, the module prepares you to cover all requirements of a research dissertation in level 6, in terms of theoretical understanding and practical use of research tools and subsequent analysis.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will be primarily seminar led and enquiry based. Seminars will guide you through the research process and provide a practical understanding of some of the possible research approaches adopted and processes used to research in sport. They are intended to help you develop broad knowledge of the different types of research undertaken in sport and exercise, while at the same time facilitating your personal choices in terms of research direction.

Your learning on this module will be developed around, and will result from, designing a research project, which will involve you in carrying out a literature search, , investigating a topic that interests you and providing an outline of data collection and analysis methods that you would use in your proposed project. Each seminar will guide and engage you in the next part of the research process. Interactive sessions will provide the opportunity for detailed discussion and allow you to gain valuable experience in research data collection techniques such as interviews and questionnaires or observations. You will also be given time to use computer based tools to enhance quantitative data analysis. To help you develop data analysis and collection skills you will complete set tasks to facilitate your learning, during seminars.

Lectures will be used minimally to engage you further in your understanding of the underpinnings to key elements of the research process and its application in sport, and to feed forward to future seminars and the assessment. In addition, tutorials will support preparation for module assessment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

To complement taught sessions, you will be provided with a workbook at the start of the module which will scaffold your learning and guide you through the key stages of the module assessments. Additional content via the Electronic learning Portal (eLP) and an electronic interactive reading list is provided. Tutors will provide constructive feedback on your project and assessment development, via tutorials and responding to questions via the modules elP discussion board so that all students can benefit. During the module you will be able to take advantage of the University Library’s Skills Plus programme as you develop your skills as an undergraduate researcher.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Justify an appropriate research design and process involved in research in Sport Development, Management and Coaching
2. Select appropriate means of analysis and interpretation for data generated by research in Sport Development, Management and Coaching.
3. Review and interpret relevant academic literature for the purpose of a research project.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Construct a research portfolio based on a chosen research question.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Demonstrate understanding of ethics and the ethical approval process.

How will I be assessed?

Summative assessment

Portfolio (100 %) – You will be required to produce a portfolio which will cover the research process, linked to a a topic area that interests you (2500 words) (LO 1, 2, 3,4, 5).

Formative assessment

You will continually undertake formative assessment around the research process, in regards to research design, data collection and analysis, as well as the ethics process. Continuous feedback will be provided in seminars and tutorials to assist the completion of your portfolio.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Sport Research in Practice will equip you with the knowledge and skills to conduct social science research in your sport subject area. It is a vital foundation preparation for the final year Dissertation. Through research led, tutored and enquiry based learning you will design an ethically sound research project, to address a question that interests you within your subject area. Skills of analysis, early stages of critical thinking and enquiry will be developed. Communication skills through data collection, tutor and peer discussion will be honed and your writing and planning skills will be extended.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 16 months

Location Hong Kong

City Hong Kong

Start September or January (part-time only)

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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