Introduction to Research

Chapter 1

KNES 510 Research Methods in Kinesiology

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Research and Truth

There is no truth! Separation of science, philosophy and religion Aristotle, Plato, Socrates Einstein-dice

Nature of Research
Systematic plan, identify, design, collect data, evaluate Logical examine procedures to evaluate conclusions Empirical decisions are based on data (observation) Reductive general relationships are established from data Replicable actions are recorded
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Unscientific Methods of Problem Solving

Tenacity Intuition Authority The rationalistic method The empirical method

Scientific Method of Problem Solving

Step 1: develop the problem (define and delimit it)
identify independent and dependent variables

Step 2: formulate the hypotheses

the anticipated outcome

Step 3: gather data

maximize internal and external validity

Step 4(5): analyze and interpret results

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Applied Research
Montoya BS, Brown LE, Coburn JW, Zinder SM. Effect of warm-up with different weighted bats on normal baseball bat velocity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 23(5):1566-1569, 2009.

Step 1: develop the problem

identify independent and dependent variables

Step 2: formulate the hypotheses

the anticipated outcome

Step 3: gather data

maximize internal and external validity

Step 4(5): analyze and interpret results

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Basic vs. Applied Research

Basic research type of research that may have limited direct application but in which the researcher has careful control of the conditions Applied research type of research that has direct value to practitioners but in which the researcher has limited control over the research setting
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Continuum of Basic vs. Applied Research

Level IBasic research Goal: Theory-driven Approach: Laboratory Level IIModerate relevance Goal: Theory-based using relevant movements Approach: Similar to real-world task or setting Level IIIApplied research Goal: Immediate solutions Approach: Real-world settings
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Experimental vs. Nonexperimental Research Experimental research

Treatments are given to subjects Cause-and-effect questions

Nonexperimental research
Treatments are not given to subjects Participants are observed as they naturally exist

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Experimental vs. CausalComparative Studies

Researchers may not be able to conduct experimental research due to ethical or legal concerns, etc. Examples
physical activity and heart disease anabolic-androgenic steroids and liver cancer

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Experimental vs. CausalComparative Studies, contd

Steps in causalcomparative (ex post facto) studies
1. Observe and describe some current condition 2. Look to the past to determine cause(s)

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Types of Nonexperimental Research

Causal-comparative Survey (poll)
Sample vs. census

Case study Longitudinal Correlational Historical

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Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Quantitative data are gathered such that they can be quantified and subjected to statistical analysis Qualitative data are gathered such that they can be analyzed through informed judgment

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Quan vs. Qual

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Variables in Experimental Studies

Independent variable
Variable that is manipulated (treatment is administered)

Dependent variable
Effect of the independent variable

Simplest study has one independent variable and one dependent variable

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Variables in Experimental Studies, contd

Effect of Isocaloric CHO vs. CHO-Pro Supplements on Time-toExhaustion (Kristy L.
Richardson, Masters thesis, CSUF)

A 2 x 2, time (first test to exhaustion, second test to exhaustion) x supplement (CHO vs. CHO-Pro), repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the difference in time-toexhaustion

Condition 1 Pre and CHO Condition 2 Pre and CHO-Pro

Time 2 Post and CHO Time 2 Post and CHO-Pro

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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Thesis

Thesis written product of a systematic study of a significant problemThe finished product evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation Creates new knowledge, extends existing knowledge
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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Thesis

Format of thesis
Five-chapter format
1. Introduction 2. Review of Literature 3. Methods 4. Results

5. Discussion
6. References 7. Tables and figures
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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Thesis

Journal format
1.

Similar to traditional format with some differences (i.e., the review of literature is part of the appendices)

Thesis committee one chairperson and two members Use of human subjects requires submission of application to the CSUF Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to collecting data

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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Project

Project disseminates theoretical material for the practitioner or layperson in a given field Project committee project chairperson and one committee member Typically in the form of a manual, brochure, videotape, handbook, etc. In addition to the project, a written review of literature is required
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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Thesis and Project Proposal-intro, summary of lit review, methods and stats (slides) Defense-same as above with results, discussion, tables and figures

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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Comp Exam

Comprehensive exam provides the student with the opportunity to synthesize and articulate the knowledge acquired throughout the graduate education and helps in preparing the student for his or her chosen profession

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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Comp Exam

The student is required to complete the written comprehensive examination in the major area of academic concentration and minor The examination will be 3 hours in length for the major and 1 hours for the minor The faculty member responsible for the specific section determines the number of questions One question examining research design and/or statistics is included in the major area
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CSUF Department of Kinesiology Description of Comp Exam

If all committee members are satisfied with written portion, a 90 minute oral exam is scheduled at least two weeks after written Further questioning on major/minor areas and statistics research design

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Next Class
Chapter 2 Get an article for your lit review Print out entire article Write (one page):
Abstract Problem Hypothesis

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