Module: Research Methods for Sport Practitioners

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Methods for Sport Practitioners
Module Code	SPO1056 (ITS: SS603)
Faculty	Health & Human Performance	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module will equip students with the knowledge, techniques and skills to critically appraise research, to plan appropriately for research (including ethical considerations), and to undertake qualitative and quantitative data analysis within the area of sport performance. In doing so it provides a theoretical framework upon which to base both practical and empirical approaches to research in sport performance. The module content will engage students with mixed methods, qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and associated principles. In each case, the rationale for, and application of, each research approach (mixed methods/quantitative/qualitative) to research problems in sport performance is explored. Students are challenged to interrogate the epistemological and ontological principles underpinning each approach and the implications of adopting a particular approach for one's research. Particular attention is paid to the practicalities of using a range of methods and tools in one study and the implications for data collection, analysis, triangulation, interpretation, validity/reliability/trustworthiness and generalisability. Students will also consider mechanisms to share research relevant to their domain for both academic and non-academic audiences.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the role and range of research skills and techniques available to the practitioner in sport related subjects
2. Collect, code and input quantitative and qualitative data correctly and efficiently.
3. Effectively translate and communicate research findings using a mix of written, visual and oral means to academic and non-academic audiences
4. Select and apply appropriate research methods, skills and techniques to the analysis and reporting of quantitative and/or qualitative data
5. Explain and respond appropriately to key questions and issues in qualitative inquiry
6. Explain and respond appropriately key questions and issues in quantitative inquiry

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	100	Students will engage with online material via Loop including but not limited to webinars, online tasks, quizzes, and tutorials
Independent Study	100	Independent pursuit of relevant issues and ideas raised during the module. Participants will be expected to engage in reading and critical review of literature relevant to the module
Assignment Completion	75	Independent completion of assessment 1 and assessment 2
Directed learning	75	Stimulus presentations and discussion, delivered online synchronously and asynchronously, will be used to test the student’s current levels of knowledge and experience. As their competence and understanding progresses, students will be directed towards qualitative and quantiative programmes and opporunties to analysis data sets
Lecture	25	Formal input by the module team to the group in online lecture/seminar format via Loop
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11765	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Stephen Behan	Module Teacher	Áine MacNamara

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Critical review of key research papers pertinent to the student's professional domain. Students will identify 4-6 key empirical research papers relevant to their field of study and critically consider the methods employed and the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the varying approaches. The written assignment will be between 2500-3500 words.	40%	n/a
Assignment	Students will conduct data analysis on a dataset (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) and produce a report based on the data relevant to their performance domain. The dataset may be from the student's own professional context or provided by the module team. The written submission will be between 4000-5000 words including appendices and supporting documentation.	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Critically Consuming the Literature
This module will focus on the critical consumption of research for practitioners. Reading and review techniques for digesting results from qualitative and quantitative research publications will be explored. Students will explore research methodology and the philosophical basis for a choice of method. Students will consider the role of Practitioner-Researchers in their performance domains

Collecting Data
A Framework for Research Design: The application and formulation of the research process from literature review through to the process of the creation of a research plan. Ethical Considerations: Appreciation and understanding of ethical and professional guidelines in research on human subjects. Methods and Procedures for quantitative research designs Students will consider research relevant to the quantitative research paradigm including: • Development of hypotheses • Sampling • Instrumentation • Study Variables Coding, entering, cleaning data manually and with appropriate software Methods and Procedures for qualitative research designs Students will consider research relevant to the qualitative research paradigm including: • Common research strategies/tools • Data sources • Data collection

Dealing with the Data: Quantitative Analysis
Students will develop the skills to explore a Quantitative Data Set including: Statistical techniques to explore relationships among variables Statistical techniques to compare groups (parametric and non-parametric). Case study examples from within the sport performance field will be used to support the delivery of this content.

Dealing with the Data: Qualitative Analysis
Students will explore qualitative approaches and techniques including sampling, methods, and data analysis. Issues of pragmaticism trustworthiness and genearlisability will be explored. Case study examples from within the sport performance field will be used to support the delivery of this content.

Communicating Data
Students will explore and implement mechanisms for reporting research for academic and non-academic audiences

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Crabtree & W. L. Miller (Eds.): 2018, Doing qualitative research, Sage, Newbury Park, CA,
Braun, V., & Clarke, V.: 2013, Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners., Sage, London,
B. Smith & A. Sparkes (Eds.): 0, Routledge handbook of qualitative research methods in sport and exercise, Routledge, London,
Jones, I., Brown, L., & Holloway, I.: 0, Qualitative research in sport and physical activity., Sage, London,
Robson: 0, Real World Research : A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers, Wiley and Sons, London,
Peter O'Donoghue: 0, Statistics for Sport and Exercise Studies, Routledge,

Articles:

Braun, V., & Clarke, V.: 2006, Using thematic analysis in psychology, Qualitative Research in Psycholog, 3, 77, 519382
0: Qualitative research in sport psychology journals: The next decade 2000-2009 and beyond., The Sport Psychologist, 26, 261, 519383, 1
Recommendations for designing and reviewing qualitative research in psychology: Promoting methodological integrity.: Qualitative Psychology., 519384, 1, Sparkes, A. C., & Smith, B.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise,: 10, 491,

Other Resources

None