Introduction to Research

Chapter 1

KNES 510
Research Methods in
Kinesiology
1

Research and Truth

There is no truth!-Plato's cave
No proof either

Separation of science, philosophy and

religion
Religion>science?
Science>religion?

Aristotle, Plato, Socrates

Einstein-dice

Basic

Applied

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

8

Variables in Experimental Studies

Independent variable
Variable that is manipulated (treatment is
administered; has levels)

Dependent variable
What you measure. (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

Time 2
Post
and
CHO

Condition 2
Pre
and
CHO-Pro

Time 2
Post
and
CHO-Pro
10

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

11

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
12

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
13

Experimental vs. Non-experimental

Research
Experimental research
Treatments are given to subjects
Cause-and-effect questions

Non-experimental research
Treatments are not given to subjects
Participants are observed as they naturally
exist

14

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

15

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)

16

Types of Nonexperimental
Research
Causal-comparative
Survey (poll)
Sample vs. census

Case study
Longitudinal
Correlational
Historical
17

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

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

18

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

19

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
20

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
1. References
2. Tables and figures
21

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
22

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
23

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

24

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

25

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
26

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 the
written exams
Further questioning on major/minor areas
and statistics/research design

27

Next Class
Chapter 2
Get a peer reviewed journal article for your
lit review
Print out entire article and attach to synopsis

Write synopsis (one page):

What did they do?
What did they find?
What does it mean?
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