Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Methodology for Sports Research
Course Code
SVI_008
Branch of Science
Health care sciences and services; Health sciences; Library Science; Mathematics; Media and communications; Theory of probability and mathematical statistics
ECTS
12.00
Target Audience
Medicine; Pedagogy; Sports Trainer
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Darja Ņesteroviča
Structure Unit Manager
Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne
Structural Unit
Institute of Public Health
Contacts
Riga, Kronvalda boulevard 9, +371 67338307
About Study Course
Objective
Acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills in research methods used in biomedical and sports science, statistical data analysis (descriptive statistics, closing statistics for assessing differences and commitments), analysis of scientific literature and application of evidence-based principles. Develop critical thinking, research competence and ability to qualitatively process, interpret and present the results of the epidemiological study, as well as acquire skills in searching for information in online databases and open access medical resources.
Preliminary Knowledge
The basis for understanding the functions of the human organism, data analysis and processing of scientific information shall consist of: basic human anatomy, histology and physiology; knowledge relevant to the level of secondary education in mathematics and information technology; basic computer skills; as well as knowledge of the national language and English.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Classify sports science research methods: quantitative, qualitative, experimental and quasi-experimental, indicating their benefits and limitations.
Individual work and tests
Teaching materials • I semester exam • II semester inspection work
2.Recognise statistical terminology and basic methods in different types of publications.
Individual work and tests
Practical tasks • III semester in-class assignment
3.Analyse and apply research measuring instruments to information resources.
Individual work and tests
Class attendance • I semester exam • Practical tasks
4.Interpret epidemiological indicators in sports science on the basis of the basic principles of epidemiology.
Individual work and tests
I semester exam • Teaching materials • Class attendance
5.Explain the concept of mixing factors and deviations in data analysis and interpretation.
Individual work and tests
Class attendance • Teaching materials • I semester exam
6.Identify and compare data sources, data collection methods and modern technologies for sports data acquisition.
Individual work and tests
I semester exam • Teaching materials • II semester inspection work
7.Analyse the principles of evidence-based sports science and assess compliance with ethical norms in studies.
Individual work and tests
II semester inspection work • Presentation of research topic
8.Identify statistical terminology, application of basic methods and classification in sports science studies.
Individual work and tests
III semester in-class assignment • Presentation of research topic • III semester exam
9.Recognize and evaluate qualitative, reliable, internationally cited and scientific information resources, including evidence-based resources in sports science.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of research topic • III semester in-class assignment • I semester exam • II semester inspection work • Teaching materials • Class attendance
Skills
1.Select and reasonably evaluate an appropriate study design and data collection method for a particular research problem.
Individual work and tests
II semester inspection work • Presentation of research topic • III semester exam
2.Plan, organise and implement intervention studies in sport and health, ensuring methodological and ethical quality.
Individual work and tests
III semester exam • Presentation of research topic • II semester inspection work
3.Develop a strategy for searching the necessary information and apply the appropriate tools and means for obtaining scientific information in sports research.
Individual work and tests
Practical tasks • I semester exam • Teaching materials • Presentation of research topic
4.Use electronic databases to select evidence-based information.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of research topic • III semester in-class assignment • Class attendance • I semester exam
5.Analyse and interpret sports epidemiological and other research data by linking them to theoretical concepts, identify ethical requirements according to the design of the study.
Individual work and tests
III semester in-class assignment • II semester inspection work
6.Manage data processing capabilities, such as MS Excel and IBM SPSS, and perform methodologically correct data processing.
Individual work and tests
III semester exam
7.Interpret key statistical indicators and classify research methods (quantitative, qualitative, experimental, quasi-experimental) by assessing their benefits and limitations.
Individual work and tests
II semester inspection work
8.Precise reference and bibliographic guidance.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of research topic • I semester exam • Practical tasks • Class attendance
9.Use the EndNote tool to organize the latest medical and sports science information.
Individual work and tests
Class attendance • Practical tasks
10.Apply the learned data collection methods, data sources, and state-of-the-art technologies to sports data acquisition.
Individual work and tests
III semester exam
Competences
1.Independently analyse information search options, choose the most appropriate strategy, and critically evaluate sources, their reliability, usefulness, and relevance to the topic.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of research topic • II semester inspection work • Practical tasks • Class attendance
2.Perform a qualitative and systematic search for information by developing an effective information search and data processing strategy in sports science research.
Individual work and tests
Class attendance • Practical tasks
3.Assess the quality of the available studies and their compliance with ethical principles.
Individual work and tests
Class attendance • II semester inspection work • I semester exam
4.Analyse the research problem, develop an appropriate study plan, choose an appropriate study design and prepare an application for an Ethics Committee.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of research topic
5.Apply statistical methods and data visualisation tools to the analysis of sports research data.
6.Prepare and present a professional research report in writing and orally using academic style and scientific reasoning.
Individual work and tests
Presentation of research topic • III semester in-class assignment
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Teaching materials |
-
|
-
|
|
Independent learning of study materials specified in E-studies prior to each lesson, in accordance with the topics to be learned in the lesson. |
||
|
2.
Practical tasks |
-
|
-
|
|
Performance of practical tasks assigned by the teaching staff between classes for strengthening research skills. |
||
|
3.
Preparation for inspection work |
-
|
-
|
|
Preparation for testing using training materials, lesson records and assignments in Miro. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Class attendance |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Active participation in classes, engaging in discussions and carrying out group and individual work. 10% of the final assessment. |
||
|
2.
I semester exam |
-
|
Test
|
|
The inspection work, which covers the topics of information literacy, research methodology and epidemiology, includes closed and open-type questions as well as a description of the search strategy with inclusion and exclusion criteria carried out within the framework of one research problem and accounts for 90% of the final assessment of the semester. |
||
|
3.
II semester inspection work |
-
|
Test
|
|
The inspection work, covering themes of research methodology and epidemiology, covers closed-end issues and accounts for 30% of the final assessment. |
||
|
4.
Presentation of research topic |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Development and presentation of the Master thesis topic: relevance, research problem, purpose and tasks of the study, design of the study, which accounts for 60% of the final assessment of the semester. |
||
|
5.
III semester in-class assignment |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Application of statistical methods and example of interpretation of results in a single scientific Article representing 40% of the final assessment of the semester. |
||
|
6.
III semester exam |
50.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Development and presentation of the data analysis plan of the study carried out within the Master’s thesis, which represents 50% of the final assessment of the semester. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Sports research methodology
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to research methodology in sports science
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction. RSU resources and databases.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic principles for searching for information. Creating a search strategy.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Searching for books and scientific publications in electronic catalogues
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Databases of E-books
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Databases of E-magazines. Databases of quoting information.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Databases of E-books
|
|
Databases of E-magazines. Databases of quoting information.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Principles for the use of the single finder Primo
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
PubMed database. Mesh Dictionary. PubMed tools, linking to full text resources.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Create a comprehensive search strategy for PubMed
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Create a comprehensive search strategy for PubMed
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
References, types of references. Reference manager tool EndNote
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Evidence-based databases and their critical assessment
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Evidence-based databases and their critical assessment
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools in databases and reference resources
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Free access information resources and evaluation thereof.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Epidemiology in sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Epidemiology in sports science
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Epidemiological indicators and their interpretation
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Epidemiological indicators and their interpretation
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Epidemiological indicators and their interpretation
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
56 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Sports research methodology
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Research errors, selection of study participants and ethical principles
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Health data: collection methods and evaluation thereof.
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Data sources in sports science
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Data sources in sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Data sources in sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Modern technologies for obtaining sports data
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Evidence-based sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Evidence-based sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Descriptive quantitative research in sports science
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Descriptive qualitative research in sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Descriptive qualitative research in sports science
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Study design choice
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Study design choice
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Publication and presentation of sports science research
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Planning of sports and health intervention studies
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the independent research project
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Presentation of the independent research project
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
50 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test (Semester)
Sports research methodology
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
1
|
Topics
|
Introduction to statistics. Data types and measurement scales. Introduction to the SPSS software.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Introduction to statistics. Data types and measurement scales. Introduction to the SPSS software.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Work with SPSS, MS Excel: Create a file, define variables, import data. Cleaning and preparation of data.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Descriptive statistics I: qualitative variables, frequency breakdowns, graphical representation.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Descriptive Statistics II: quantitative variables, central trends and variance indicators.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Examination of hypotheses I: t-test, ANOVA (parametric methods).
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Hypothesis Check II: non-parametric methods (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis).
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Hypothesis Check III: qualitative variables (χ ² Test, Fisher’s expert Test).
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Correlations and linear regression.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Logistical regression.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Analysis of factors and key components.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Calculation of sample size. Statistical power.
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
4
|
Topics
|
Analysis of statistical data and presentation of results in a scientific Article
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Analysis of statistical data and presentation of results in a scientific Article
|
-
Unaided Work
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
-
|
4
|
Topics
|
Development and presentation of a research data analysis plan.
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
4
|
Topics
|
Development and presentation of a research data analysis plan.
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
4.00
Contact hours:
53 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Jones, Ian. Research Methods for Sports Studies, Taylor & Francis Group, 2022. ProQuest Ebook CentralSuitable for English stream
2.
Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana / Kristīnes Mārtinsones un Anitas Piperes zinātniskajā redakcijā. Otrais, papildinātais izdevums. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2019.
3.
Jacobsen, K. H. 2021. Introduction to Health Research Methods. A Practical Guide. Jones & Bartlett LearningSuitable for English stream
4.
Timothy L. Lash, et al. Modern Epidemiology. Wolters Kluwer Health, 2021. EBSCOhostSuitable for English stream
5.
McCormick, Keith, et al. SPSS Statistics for Data Analysis and Visualization, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2017. ProQuest Ebook CentralSuitable for English stream
6.
Field, A. Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. 5th edition, Sage Publications, 2018.Suitable for English stream
7.
Barnes, C. 2015. The Use of Altmetrics as a Tool for Measuring Research Impact. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 46(2), 121-134.Suitable for English stream
8.
Kirkham, J. J., Penfold, N. C., Murphy, F., Boutron, I., Ioannidis, J. P., Polka, J. and Moher, D. 2020. Systematic examination of preprint platforms for use in the medical and biomedical sciences setting. BMJ open. 10(12), e041849.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Kwartler, Ted. Sports Analytics in Practice with R, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2022. ProQuest Ebook CentralSuitable for English stream
2.
James Skinner, et al. Research Methods for Sport Management. Routledge, 2024.Suitable for English stream
3.
Artificial Intelligence in Sports, Movement, and Health, edited by Carlo Dindorf, et al., Springer, 2024. ProQuest Ebook CentralSuitable for English stream
4.
Grech, V. Write a Scientific Paper (WASP): Effective graphs and tables. Early Human Development, 2019.Suitable for English stream
5.
Ethics in Statistics : Opportunities and Challenges, edited by Hassan Doosti, Ethics International Press Limited, 2023. ProQuest Ebook Central.Suitable for English stream