Research Methods in Physical Activity

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, systematically guides students through the research process, introducing research methods, tools, and analysis techniques specifically for kinesiology and exercise science disciplines, including the subdisciplines of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. The eighth edition continues its legacy with the authors’ trademark humor and is now enhanced with a new full-color layout. This reputable text provides step-by-step information for every aspect of the research process. Part I presents an overview of the research process, from preparing the research plan to understanding ethical issues in research and writing. Part II introduces statistical and measurement issues in research. Part III presents various approaches to research and methodology—including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods—while scholarly contributors offer advice for addressing sociohistorical, experimental, epidemiological, and philosophical research questions. Part IV details how to develop and organize research papers and presentations, and it includes guidance for describing results for publication in a scientific journal. Statistical tables and guides are available in the appendix. Joining longtime authors Jerry Thomas, EdD, and Stephen Silverman, EdD, are Philip Martin, PhD, and Jennifer Etnier, PhD, who bring fresh perspectives from the subdisciplines of biomechanics and sport and exercise psychology. Other enhancements to the eighth edition include the following: References have been updated throughout the text to present current research. Part II has undergone a major revision that makes statistical techniques more accessible. A new section on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and other public health initiatives demonstrates epidemiology research in action. The chapter on philosophical research contains new issues from our increasingly diverse world, challenging students to think deeply. The full-color layout fosters an engaging learning experience and offers an enhanced data presentation. Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, employs learning aids that make the technical aspects of the research process approachable and easy to understand. Photos, anecdotes, and humorous stories throughout the text highlight practical applications to keep students engaged. A running glossary and key points emphasize important content. Review questions and prompts invite students to assess and apply their knowledge. Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, instills in students the confidence to devise, collect, analyze, and present their research in a competent manner. It is an essential text for all emerging researchers in physical activity.

Table of Contents:
Part I. Overview of the Research Process Chapter 1. Introduction to Research in Physical Activity The Nature of Research Unscientific Versus Scientific Methods of Problem-Solving Alternative Models of Research Types of Research Overview of the Research Process Parts of a Thesis: A Reflection on the Steps in the Research Process Summary Chapter 2. Developing the Problem and Using the Literature Identifying the Research Problem Purpose of the Literature Review Basic Literature Search Strategies Steps in the Literature Search Summary Chapter 3. Presenting the Problem Choosing the Title Developing the Introduction: Background and Justification Stating the Research Purpose Presenting the Research Hypothesis Operationally Defining Terms Basic Assumptions, Delimitations, and Limitations Justifying the Significance of the Study Differences Between the Thesis and the Research Article Summary Chapter 4. Formulating the Method How to Present Methodological Details Why Planning the Methods Is Important Two Principles for Planning Experiments Describing Participants Selecting and Describing Instruments Describing Procedures Describing Design and Analysis Establishing Cause and Effect Interaction of Participants, Measurements, and Treatments Summary Chapter 5. Ethical Issues in Research and Scholarship Seven Areas of Research Misconduct Ethical Issues Regarding Copyright Model for Considering Scientific Misconduct Working With Faculty Protecting Human Participants Protecting Animal Subjects Summary Part II. Statistical and Measurement Concepts in Research Chapter 6. Becoming Acquainted With Statistical Concepts Why We Need Statistics Use of Computers in Statistical Analysis Description and Inference Are Not Statistical Techniques Ways to Select a Sample Ways to Assign Participants to Groups Post Hoc Justifications Difficulty of Random Sampling and Assignment: How Good Must It Be? Measures of Central Tendency and Variability Basic Concepts of Statistical Techniques Data for Use in the Remaining Statistical Chapters Summary Chapter 7. Statistical Issues in Research Planning and Evaluation Probability Hypothesis Testing Meaningfulness (Effect Size) Power Using Information in the Context of the Study Summary Chapter 8. Relationships of Variables What Correlational Research Investigates Understanding the Nature of Correlation What the Coefficient of Correlation Means Using Correlation for Prediction Partial Correlation Semipartial Correlation Procedures for Multiple Regression Logistic Regression Discriminant Function Analysis Moderators and Mediators Multivariate Forms of Correlation Summary Chapter 9. Differences Between Groups How Statistics Test Differences Types of t Tests Interpreting t Relationship of t and r Analysis of Variance Analysis of Covariance Experiment-Wise Error Rate Understanding Multivariate Techniques Summary Chapter 10. Nonparametric Techniques Chi Square: Testing the Observed Versus the Expected Procedures for Rank-Order Data Correlation Differences Between Groups Summary Chapter 11. Measuring Research Variables Validity Reliability Methods of Establishing Reliability Intertester Reliability (Objectivity) Standard Error of Measurement Using Standard Scores to Compare Performance Measuring Movement Measuring Written Responses Measuring Affective Behavior Scales for Measurement Measuring Knowledge Item Response Theory Summary Part III. Types of Research Chapter 12. Sociohistorical Process in Sport Studies Development of the Discipline Theory and Sport History Relationship Between Theory and Method Research Sources Research Topics Research Design Data Analysis and Interpretation Research Findings Exemplary Studies in Sport History Summary Chapter 13. Philosophical Research in Physical Activity Identifying the Purposes of Philosophical Research Philosophical Inquiry Continuum Locating a Research Problem Analyzing a Research Problem Summary Appendix Chapter 14. Research Synthesis (Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews) Purpose of Research Synthesis Presenting Effect Size Data Summary Chapter 15. Surveys Questionnaires Additional Considerations for Online Surveys Delphi Method Personal Interviews Normative Surveys Summary Chapter 16. Other Descriptive Research Methods Developmental Research Case Studies Observational Research Unobtrusive Research Techniques Correlational Research Summary Chapter 17. Physical Activity Epidemiology Research U.S. National Physical Activity Guidelines and Plan Observational Versus Experimental Research What Is Physical Activity Epidemiology? Definitions of Physical Activity and Its Components Assessment of Physical Activity Epidemiological Study Designs Reading and Interpreting a Physical Activity Epidemiological Study Summary Chapter 18. Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research Sources of Invalidity Threats to Internal Validity Threats to External Validity Controlling Threats to Internal Validity Controlling Threats to External Validity Types of Designs Summary Chapter 19. Qualitative Research Procedures in Qualitative Research Data Analysis Concluding Remarks Summary Chapter 20. Mixed-Methods Research Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Designing Mixed-Methods Research Issues in Mixed-Methods Research Examples of Mixed-Methods Research Summary Part IV. Writing the Research Report Chapter 21. Completing the Research Process Research Proposal Thesis and Dissertation Proposals Advisor and Dissertation Committee The Good Scholar Must Research and Write Scientific Writing First Things Are Sometimes Best Done Last Developing a Good Introduction Describing the Methods The Proposal Process Preparing and Presenting Qualitative Research Proposals Writing Proposals for Granting Agencies Submitting Internal Proposals Completing Your Thesis or Dissertation Results and Discussion Handling Multiple Experiments in a Single Report Using Tables and Figures Summary Chapter 22. Ways of Reporting Research Basic Writing Guidelines A Brief Word About Acknowledgments Thesis and Dissertation Format: Traditional Versus Journal Helpful Hints for Successful Journal Writing Revising Research Papers Writing Abstracts Making Oral and Poster Presentations Summary Appendix. Statistical Tables