Module: Research Methods

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research Methods
Module Code	SS411 (ITS) / SPO1037 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
Module Co-ordinator	Anna Donnla O'Hagan
Module Teachers	Hannah Goss, Shane Noonan
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

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Description

This module provides an overview of the research methods and skills used in Health and Human Performance research. Students will become familiar with basic research methodologies. This module also aims to introduce the students to a variety of statistical concepts and a range of simple to intermediate level statistical tests using SPSS software The students will be taught how to choose appropriate research paradigms/methodologies/tests for different research questions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of basic research methodologies, data analysis and interpretation.
2. Use SPSS for data storage and analysis.
3. Employ critical thinking to the analysis of research.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of both ethical and methodological considerations in conducting research.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Required to attend in-person on on-line lectures
Tutorial	12	Required to attend in-person on on-line tutorials
Independent Study	89	Required to complete assigned reading and completion of additional tasks (outside designated class time)
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Understanding the Research Process

Testing Hypotheses

Qualitative Methods of Inquiry

Introduction to SPSS

Inferential Statistics

Assumptions of Statistical Analysis

T-Tests & ANOVA's

Variables and Descriptive Statistics

Correlation & Regression

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Short Answer Questions	One in-class short answer quiz (i.e., 60 minutes) will take place during the tutorial class in Week 4. The aim of this quiz is to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of basic concepts. Students will be provided with brief abstracts and asked on series of questions. This quiz will be on topics covered in the preceding classes. There will be no negative marking. Students will be given their results via Loop and an opportunity to ask for individual feedback one week following the quiz.	25%	Week 5
In Class Test	The final test will be 2-hours in length and will be held during the tutorial class in Week 10. The assessment is designed to assess students’ understanding of different data analyses depending on the research question as well as applied statistical techniques (i.e., t-tests, ANOVA’s, Correlations, & Regression). Test structure and technique will be discussed during class. Students will be given their results via Loop and an opportunity to ask for individual feedback two weeks following the quiz.	75%	Week 11

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Thomas, J. R., Nelson, J. K., & Silverman, S. J.: 2015, Research methods in physical activity, 7th Ed, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL,
Field, A.: 2017, Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics, 5th Ed, Sage, London,
Field, A. P.: 2013, Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics: and sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll., 4th Ed, Sage, London,
Gratton, C. & Jones, I.: 2010, Research methods for sports studies, 2nd Ed, Routledge, London,
Jones, I., Brown, L., & Holloway, I.: 2013, Qualitative research in sport and physical activity, Sage, LA, California,
Pallant, J.: 2010, SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS, 4th Ed, McGraw-Hill, Maidenhead,
Magdalinski, T.: 2013, Study skills for sport studies, Routledge, London,
Ntoumanis, N: 2001, A stepbystep guide to SPSS for Sport and Exercise Studies, Routledge, London,
Williams, C. A. & Wragg, C.: 2004, Data analysis and research for sport and exercise science: a student guide., Routledge, London,

Other Resources

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