Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Research Methods in Sport
Course Code
LSPA_454
Branch of Science
Health sciences
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Sports Science; Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-time (Off site)
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Darja Ņesteroviča
Structure Unit Manager
Uģis Ciematnieks
Structural Unit
Department of Sports Theory
Contacts
LSPA, Brīvības gatve 333, Riga, LV-1006
About Study Course
Objective
Provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in sports research methodology by raising awareness of evidence-based research and practice and to develop skills in the search, evaluation and processing of sports science information, including the application of statistical concepts to data analysis.
Preliminary Knowledge
Information literacy.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Name and describe research strategies and designs.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts • Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills
2.Describe the basic principles of scientific research ethics, the requirements for the protection of participants and the role of research ethics committees.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts
3.Identify the main methods of data collection and analysis (surveys, interviews, observations, measurements) and their suitability for different research purposes.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts
4.Qualitative, reliable and scientifically evaluated sports science information resources shall be recognised and characterised.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts • Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills • Use of Library resources
5.Identify and name statistical terminology and basic methods used in different types of publications.
Individual work and tests
Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills • Development of research concepts • Processing of study results
6.Able to describe and interpret datasets using basic statistical indicators (mean, median, dispersal, standard deviation).
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results • Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills
Skills
1.Sets the research objective, formulates the research question or hypothesis.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts
2.Applies sports industry theories and concepts in research.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts • Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills
3.Establish an appropriate information search strategy and critically evaluate the information found.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
4.Seek, select and critically evaluate sports science information resources, able to determine their quality, reliability and scientific validity.
Individual work and tests
Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills • Use of Library resources
5.Applies digital technologies and creates a personal profile in information resources
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
6.Customize your activities according to copyright and licenses, and correctly locate and quote authors in digital content.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
7.Work independently with electronic databases, apply extended search skills to search for electronic information.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
8.Perform an in-depth search of information in e-books, online databases, the global database of quoted journals, PubMed.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
9.Prepare and enter data in the Jamovi programme.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
10.Creates and edits tables and charts.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
11.Applies appropriate data processing methods, including statistical hypothesis testing.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
12.Uses appropriate statistical analysis visualization tools in the description of results.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
Competences
1.Analyses scientific literature.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources • Development of research concepts
2.Develop a study concept.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts
3.Addresses research problem by applying electronic resource search capabilities by critically evaluating the reliability and usefulness of the information found, its relevance to the topic and the specific situation, and establishes complete reference lists.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
4.Interprets key statistical indicators and processes data using applied statistical methods.
Individual work and tests
Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills • Processing of study results
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Development of research concepts |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Development and presentation of the concept of the study in a group, a total of 20 points. Study objective/questions/hypothesis clearly and according to design (0-4 p); Conformity of design and methods with purpose (0-4 p); Literature basis and theoretical justification (≥ 5 sources; quality) (0-4 p); Ethics section: participant protection, data privacy, risks/benefits, POST necessity (0-4 p); Presentation structure and visualization (0-4 p). |
||
|
2.
Use of Library resources |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students individually perform a practical task related to the use of library and electronic information resources. The task is performed in the e-learning environment after the relevant lectures and classes. The assessment criteria and submission requirements are indicated in the section of the e-study course. |
||
|
3.
Processing of study results |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students individually perform a practical task in the E-study environment by processing study data in the Jamovi programme. The assessment criteria and submission requirements are indicated in the E-studies. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Verification of theoretical knowledge and skills |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students shall complete the test with 30 multi-choice questions regarding theoretical knowledge and skills acquired in the study course. The assessment criteria and test conditions are indicated in the E-studies. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to research methodology. Scientific method and research process. The directions and types of research, their practical application.
Description
Information is provided regarding the content and requirements of the study course. An overview of the scientific method and the research process is presented. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic ethical principles of research. Research process. Research ethics. A scientific problem. Study question, hypothesis, purpose and tasks of the study.
Description
The lecture presents the fundamental principles of research ethics. The research process for solving a scientific problem is examined. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research strategies and designs. Qualitative and quantitative research.
Description
The lecture describes qualitative and quantitative research strategies and designs. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research strategies and designs. Study analysis (group work).
Description
The practical class includes the analysis of scientific research studies and the identification of the applied research strategy and design. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Stages of the study. Study planning, creation of a literature review. Methods of data collection in the study, their characteristics.
Description
The lecture provides an overview of how to plan research at different stages. It covers the development of a literature review and the characteristics of various data collection methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Stages of the study. Presentation of the research idea.
Description
A research idea is developed and presented during the practical class. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Databases, resources and tools subscribed to RSU. The concept of information literacy. Basic principles for creating an information search strategy, working with keywords, individual enrollment in electronic resources.
Description
The lecture demonstrates the databases, resources, and tools subscribed to by RSU. The concept of information literacy is explained. An overview is provided of the fundamental principles of developing an information search strategy, working with keywords, and individual registration in electronic resources is demonstrated. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Searching for books and publications in electronic catalogues. Searching RSU academic staff publications and study final Papers in RSU DSpace repository.
Description
The practical class includes searching for books and publications in electronic catalogs, as well as locating RSU academic staff publications and final study papers in the RSU DSpace repository. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Evidence-based free-access resources. Evaluation of scientific journals. Critical evaluation of publications. Artificial Internet resources for data acquisition.
Description
The practical class utilizes evidence-based open-access resources. Scientific journals are evaluated, and a critical assessment of publications is conducted. An overview is provided of artificial intelligence-based internet resources for data acquisition. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
PubMed database tools.
Description
The practical class covers the tools of the PubMed database. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Quote. References and types thereof. Referencing tool EndNote. Export and retrieve references.
Description
The practical class demonstrates the citation and reference management tool EndNote. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
The role of statistics in the research process. The nature of descriptive statistics and closing statistics. Principles for the verification of hypotheses with P-value and confidence intervals. Calculation of sample size in different types of studies.
Description
The lecture examines the role of statistics in the research process. Information is provided on the nature of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The principles of hypothesis testing with p-values and confidence intervals are covered, as well as the calculation of sample size for different types of studies. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Data types and gauges. The concept of normal distribution. Variety of data analysis methods.
Description
The lecture covers topics on types of data and measurement scales, the concept of normal distribution, and various data analysis methods. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Data types and gauges. The concept of normal distribution. Variety of data analysis methods.
Description
The lecture covers topics on types of data and measurement scales, the concept of normal distribution, and various data analysis methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Preparing data for analysis in the Jamovi program environment. Descriptive statistics, single-sample statistical tests.
Description
The session provides an overview of data preparation for analysis in the Jamovi software environment. Methods for descriptive statistical data analysis are covered, along with a demonstration of the application of one-sample statistical tests. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Statistical tests for dependent and independent observations. Parametric and non-parametric tests.
Description
Statistical tests for dependent and independent observations are applied. Both parametric and non-parametric tests are used. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Correlation analysis. Assessment of scale coherence for questionnaires (Kronbach alpha).
Description
Correlation analysis is conducted. The assessment of scale consistency for questionnaire items is performed using Cronbach's alpha. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Regression analysis
Description
Regression analysis is performed. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
36 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME (OFF SITE)
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to research methodology. Scientific method and research process. The directions and types of research, their practical application.
Description
Information is provided regarding the content and requirements of the study course. An overview of the scientific method and the research process is presented. |
|
Research strategies and designs. Qualitative and quantitative research.
Description
The lecture describes qualitative and quantitative research strategies and designs. |
|
Stages of the study. Study planning, creation of a literature review. Methods of data collection in the study, their characteristics.
Description
The lecture provides an overview of how to plan research at different stages. It covers the development of a literature review and the characteristics of various data collection methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basic ethical principles of research. Research process. Research ethics. A scientific problem. Study question, hypothesis, purpose and tasks of the study.
Description
The lecture presents the fundamental principles of research ethics. The research process for solving a scientific problem is examined. |
|
Research strategies and designs. Study analysis (group work).
Description
The practical class includes the analysis of scientific research studies and the identification of the applied research strategy and design. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Databases, resources and tools subscribed to RSU. The concept of information literacy. Basic principles for creating an information search strategy, working with keywords, individual enrollment in electronic resources.
Description
The lecture demonstrates the databases, resources, and tools subscribed to by RSU. The concept of information literacy is explained. An overview is provided of the fundamental principles of developing an information search strategy, working with keywords, and individual registration in electronic resources is demonstrated. |
|
Evidence-based free-access resources. Evaluation of scientific journals. Critical evaluation of publications. Artificial Internet resources for data acquisition.
Description
The practical class utilizes evidence-based open-access resources. Scientific journals are evaluated, and a critical assessment of publications is conducted. An overview is provided of artificial intelligence-based internet resources for data acquisition. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Searching for books and publications in electronic catalogues. Searching RSU academic staff publications and study final Papers in RSU DSpace repository.
Description
The practical class includes searching for books and publications in electronic catalogs, as well as locating RSU academic staff publications and final study papers in the RSU DSpace repository. |
|
PubMed database tools.
Description
The practical class covers the tools of the PubMed database. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Evidence-based free-access resources. Evaluation of scientific journals. Critical evaluation of publications. Artificial Internet resources for data acquisition.
Description
The practical class utilizes evidence-based open-access resources. Scientific journals are evaluated, and a critical assessment of publications is conducted. An overview is provided of artificial intelligence-based internet resources for data acquisition. |
|
Quote. References and types thereof. Referencing tool EndNote. Export and retrieve references.
Description
The practical class demonstrates the citation and reference management tool EndNote. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
The role of statistics in the research process. The nature of descriptive statistics and closing statistics. Principles for the verification of hypotheses with P-value and confidence intervals. Calculation of sample size in different types of studies.
Description
The lecture examines the role of statistics in the research process. Information is provided on the nature of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The principles of hypothesis testing with p-values and confidence intervals are covered, as well as the calculation of sample size for different types of studies. |
|
Data types and gauges. The concept of normal distribution. Variety of data analysis methods.
Description
The lecture covers topics on types of data and measurement scales, the concept of normal distribution, and various data analysis methods. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
The role of statistics in the research process. The nature of descriptive statistics and closing statistics. Principles for the verification of hypotheses with P-value and confidence intervals. Calculation of sample size in different types of studies.
Description
The lecture examines the role of statistics in the research process. Information is provided on the nature of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The principles of hypothesis testing with p-values and confidence intervals are covered, as well as the calculation of sample size for different types of studies. |
|
Data types and gauges. The concept of normal distribution. Variety of data analysis methods.
Description
The lecture covers topics on types of data and measurement scales, the concept of normal distribution, and various data analysis methods. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Preparing data for analysis in the Jamovi program environment. Descriptive statistics, single-sample statistical tests.
Description
The session provides an overview of data preparation for analysis in the Jamovi software environment. Methods for descriptive statistical data analysis are covered, along with a demonstration of the application of one-sample statistical tests. |
|
Statistical tests for dependent and independent observations. Parametric and non-parametric tests.
Description
Statistical tests for dependent and independent observations are applied. Both parametric and non-parametric tests are used. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Correlation analysis. Assessment of scale coherence for questionnaires (Kronbach alpha).
Description
Correlation analysis is conducted. The assessment of scale consistency for questionnaire items is performed using Cronbach's alpha. |
|
Regression analysis
Description
Regression analysis is performed. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
18 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana / Kristīnes Mārtinsones un Anitas Piperes zinātniskajā redakcijā; Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2019; 4. nodaļa
2.
Spila D., Znotiņa I. Medicīnas informācijas pamatu apgūšana elektroniskajos resursos: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU, 2014. (akceptējams izdevums), 6.-51. lpp.
3.
Spila D. Pasaules medicīnas citējamo žurnālu datubāze PubMed un informācijas meklēšanas iespējas: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU, 2013. (akceptējams izdevums), 7.-72. lpp.
4.
Znotiņa I. Uz pierādījiem balstītas medicīnas resursi: labāko pieradījumu meklēšana un izmantošana: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU, 2014. (akceptējams izdevums), 11.-45. lpp.
5.
Petrie A. & Sabin C. Medical Statistics at a Glance, 4th edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2019, Part I, IV, V.Suitable for English stream
6.
Field, A. Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. 4th edition, Sage Publications, 2024, Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 19.Suitable for English stream
7.
Peat, J., Barton, B. Medical Statistics: A Guide to SPSS, Data Analysis and Critical Appraisal. 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2014. (pēdējais iznākušais izdevums), Chapter 1, 4, 10, 11.Suitable for English stream
8.
Greenland, S., Senn, S. J., Rothman, K. J., Carlin, J. B., Poole, C., Goodman, S., N., and Altman, D. G. 2016. Statistical tests, P values, confidence intervals, and power: a guide to misinterpretations. Eur J Epidemiol. 31(4): 337-350.Suitable for English stream
9.
Andrade, C. 2016. Understanding relative risk, odds ratio, and related terms: as simple as it can get. J. Clin Psychiatry. 76(7): 857-861.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
Berkman, Robert I. Find It Fast : Extracting Expert Information From Social Networks, Big Data, Tweets, and More. Information Today, 2015, Part II, IV.Suitable for English stream
2.
Chen I, Kidd T. Wired For Learning : An Educator's Guide To Web 2.0 [e-book]. Charlotte, N.C.: IAP, Information Age Pub; 2009, Part IV.Suitable for English stream
3.
NCBI. PubMed help: NCBI help manual. Bethesda: National Center for Biotechnology Information National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2022.Suitable for English stream
4.
Safko L. The social media bible: tactics, tools & strategies for business success, John Wiley & Sons, 2012, Chapter 7, 24.Suitable for English stream
5.
Simpson, S. H. 2015. Creating a Data Analysis Plan: What to Consider When Choosing Statistics for a Study. Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy. 68(4): 311–317.Suitable for English stream
6.
Koo, T. K., Li, M. Y. 2016. A Guideline of Selecting and Reporting Intraclass Correlation coefficients for Reliability Research. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 15(2), 155–163.Suitable for English stream
7.
Hopkins, S., Dettori, J. R., Chapman, J. R. 2018. Parametric and Nonparametric Tests in Spine Research: Why Do They Matter? Global Spine J. 8(6): 652–654.Suitable for English stream
8.
Nahm, F. S. 2016. Nonparametric statistical tests for the continuous data: the basic concept and the practical use. Korean J. Anesthesiol. 69(1): 8–14.Suitable for English stream
9.
Schober, P., Vetter, T. R. 2021. Linear Regression in Medical Research. Anesth Analg. 132(1):108-109.Suitable for English stream
10.
Charan, J., Biswas, T. 2013. How to Calculate Sample Size for Different Study Designs in Medical Research? Indian J Psychol Med. 35(2): 121–126.Suitable for English stream