Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHE2217

 
TITLE Research Methods in Physical Activity and Sport

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Institute for Physical Education and Sport

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit presents the methods and materials used in research in sport and physical activity. Various aspects related to academic research will be tackled in this study-unit, such as: constructivism; case-study research; action research; various data collection methods; formulating research questions, issues of sampling, as well as data analysis.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to guide students through methodological issues of academic research. Students will be given direct experience with producing research tools that can be used for data collection purposes. The techniques available to analyse and present findings, including the use of software, will be presented. Students will also be given hands on experience in the analysis of data.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Explain, through argumentation, which research methodology best suits different research questions;
- Engage and employ a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies related to design research and practice;
- Explore the ethical responsibilities of a research project.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Construct, plan, and execute different methodological tools;
- Analyse data using different methods;
- Write a report on the data analysed;
- Interpret data and discuss findings.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K., (2011) Research Methods in Education. London: Routledge.
- Smith, M.F. (2010) Research Methods in Sport. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
- Gratton, C. & Jones , I. (2010) Research Methods for sport studies. London: Routledge.

Supplementary Readings:

- Thomas, G. (2017). How to do your research project: A guide for students. Sage.
- Thomas, J.R., Nelson J.K. & Silverman S.J (2011) Research Methods in Physical Education (6th Ed) Champaign: Human Kinetics.
- Oliver, P. (2008) Writing your thesis. (2nd Ed) London: Sage.
- Armour, K. & Macdonald, D. (2012) (Eds) Research Methods in Physical Education and Youth Sport. London: Routledge.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM1 Yes 50%
Assignment SEM1 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Karl Attard
Adele Muscat
Ivan Riolo
Lara Tonna

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit