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 Science; 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
Provide 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 provide skills in searching for information in online databases and open access medical resources.
Preliminary Knowledge
The basic understanding of human anatomy, histology and physiology, the ability to recognise tissues and organs, interpret simple physiological data and analyse the functional reactions of the body form the basis for understanding the functions of the human body, analysing data and processing scientific information. In addition, knowledge of mathematics and informatics corresponding to the level of secondary education in data calculation, visualisation and logical problem solving is necessary. These knowledge and skills complement the basic skills of working with a computer (document creation, organisation of data, searching for information in the digital environment), as well as the skills of the official language and the English language in reading scientific texts.
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
III semester exam • Practical tasks
3.Understand research measuring instruments and their use in information resources.
Individual work and tests
Practical tasks • I semester exam • Engagement in the class
4.Learn the basic principles of epidemiology and interpret epidemiological indicators in sports science.
Individual work and tests
Teaching materials • I semester exam
5.Explain the concept of mixing factors and deviations in data analysis and interpretation.
Individual work and tests
I semester exam • Teaching materials
6.Know data collection methods, data sources, and state-of-the-art technologies for sports data acquisition.
Individual work and tests
Teaching materials • I semester exam
7.Understand the principles and ethical norms of evidence-based sports science in research.
8.Recognize and evaluate qualitative, reliable, internationally cited and scientific information resources, including evidence-based resources in sports science.
Individual work and tests
III semester exam • Engagement in the class
Skills
1.Select and reasonably evaluate an appropriate study design and data collection method for a particular research problem.
Individual work and tests
Engagement in the class • 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.Use information search tools and features effectively.
4.Develop a search strategy and critically evaluate the information found.
Individual work and tests
I semester exam
5.Use electronic databases to select evidence-based information.
Individual work and tests
I semester exam • Presentation of research topic • III semester exam
6.Analyse and interpret sports epidemiological and other research data by linking them to theoretical concepts.
Individual work and tests
III semester exam • II semester inspection work
7.Manage data processing capabilities, such as MS Excel and IBM SPSS, and perform methodologically correct data processing.
Individual work and tests
Engagement in the class • III semester exam
8.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
9.Precise reference and bibliographic guidance.
Individual work and tests
I semester exam • Practical tasks
10.Use web tools and organize the latest medical and sports science information.
Individual work and tests
Engagement in the class • I semester exam
11.Learn and apply data collection methods, data sources and state-of-the-art technologies to capture sports data.
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
II semester inspection work • Presentation of research topic • Practical tasks
2.Perform a qualitative and systematic search for information by developing an effective information search and data processing strategy in sports science research.
3.Assess the quality of the available studies and their compliance with ethical principles.
Individual work and tests
Engagement in the class • II semester inspection work
4.Analyse the research problem, develop an appropriate study plan and choose an appropriate study design.
5.Apply statistical methods and data visualisation tools to the analysis of sports research data.
Individual work and tests
Engagement in the class
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 exam
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.
Engagement in the class |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Active involvement in the conduct of classes by participating in discussions and carrying out group and individual work, 10% of the final assessment of each semester. |
||
|
2.
I semester exam |
-
|
Test
|
|
The test on topics of information literacy, research methodology and epidemiology, including multi-choice and open-type issues, represents 90% of the final assessment of the semester. The evaluation criteria are available in the description of the E-study course. |
||
|
3.
II semester inspection work |
-
|
Test
|
|
A test on the themes of research methodology and epidemiology, including multiple choice and open type issues, 30% of the final assessment. The evaluation criteria are available in the description of the E-study course. |
||
|
4.
Presentation of research topic |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Development and presentation of the Master’s thesis topic, 60% of the final assessment of the semester. The evaluation criteria are available in the description of the E-study course. |
||
|
5.
III semester exam |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Development and presentation of the research data analysis plan, 50% of the final assessment of the semester. The evaluation criteria are available in the description of the E-study course. |
||
|
6.
III semester exam |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Analysis of statistical data and presentation of results in a scientific Article, 40% of the final assessment of the semester. The evaluation criteria are available in the description of the E-study course. |
||
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 Central, 19 - 291.Suitable 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; 109.-137. lpp., 170.-185. lpp., 203.-252. lpp.
3.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. un Kamerāde, D. (red.) 2016. Pētniecība: teorija un prakse. Rīga: RaKa; 84.-411. lpp.
4.
Baltiņš, M. 2003. Lietišķā epidemioloģija. (akceptējams izdevums), 8. - 66. lpp.
5.
Jacobsen, K. H. 2021. Introduction to Health Research Methods. A Practical Guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning; Chapter 4, 19, 21.Suitable for English stream
6.
Timothy L. Lash, et al. Modern Epidemiology. Wolters Kluwer Health, 2021. EBSCOhost; Chapter 2 - 5, 12 - 14.Suitable for English stream
7.
McCormick, Keith, et al. SPSS Statistics for Data Analysis and Visualization, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central; Chapter 3, 5.Suitable for English stream
8.
Field, A. Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. 5th edition, Sage Publications, 2018; Chapter 8,10, 18 - 20.Suitable for English stream
9.
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
10.
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 Central; Chapter 4, 5.Suitable for English stream
2.
James Skinner, et al. Research Methods for Sport Management. Routledge, 2024; Chapter 12, 25.Suitable for English stream
3.
Artificial Intelligence in Sports, Movement, and Health, edited by Carlo Dindorf, et al., Springer, 2024. ProQuest Ebook Central; Part I, II, IV.Suitable 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; Chapter 1, 4, 10.Suitable for English stream