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 Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-time (Off site)
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Lāsma Spundiņa
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 research methodology by promoting understanding of evidence-based research and practice, developing skills in the search, evaluation, retrieval and processing of sports science information, as well as in the use of statistical concepts and data processing.
Preliminary Knowledge
Information literacy.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Name and describe research strategies and designs.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts • Test of theoretical knowledge
2.Describes ethical principles.
3.Name research methods.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts
4.Recognize and characterize qualitative, reliable, evaluated and scientific sports science information resources.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources • Test of theoretical knowledge
5.Identify and name statistical terminology and basic methods used in different types of publications.
Individual work and tests
Development of research concepts • Test of theoretical knowledge • Processing of study results
6.Characterise measurement data using statistical indicators.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results • Test of theoretical knowledge
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.
3.Develops an appropriate information search strategy and critically evaluates the retrieved information.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
4.Applies information search tools and features.
Individual work and tests
Test of theoretical knowledge • Use of Library resources
5.Applies digital technologies, creates a personal profile in information resources, customizes activities according to copyright and licenses, and finds and quotes authors for digital content.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
6.Work independently with electronic databases, apply extended search skills to search for electronic information.
Individual work and tests
Use of Library resources
7.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
8.Prepare and enter data in the Jamovi programme.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
9.Creates and edits tables and charts.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
10.Applies appropriate data processing methods, including statistical hypothesis testing.
Individual work and tests
Processing of study results
11.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
Test of theoretical knowledge • Processing of study results
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Development of research concepts |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
In small groups, students develop the idea of the study and describe the concept of the study. Students prepare a presentation and present it in the practical class. |
||
|
2.
Use of Library resources |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students perform a practical task individually on the topics of the lecture and classes related to the use of Library resources. The practical task is performed in the e-learning environment after lecture and classes. |
||
|
3.
Processing of study results |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students ndivisively address a practical task in the e-learning environment by processing study data in the Jamovi programme. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Test of theoretical knowledge |
25.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students complete the test with 30 questions about theoretical knowledge and skills acquired in the study course. |
||
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; autori: Uldis Berķis, Maija Dambrova, Inese Gobiņa, Kristīne Mārtinsone; Ivans Jānis Mihailovs [un vēl 7 autori]. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2019.
2.
Spila D., Znotiņa I. Medicīnas informācijas pamatu apgūšana elektroniskajos resursos: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU, 2014. (akceptējams izdevums)
3.
Spila D. Pasaules medicīnas citējamo žurnālu datubāze PubMed un informācijas meklēšanas iespējas: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU, 2013. (akceptējams izdevums)
4.
Znotiņa I. Uz pierādījiem balstītas medicīnas resursi: labāko pieradījumu meklēšana un izmantošana: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU, 2014. (akceptējams izdevums)
5.
Thomas N, Franklin L, Crow S. Information Literacy And Information Skills Instruction: Applying Research To Practice In The 21St Century School Library [e-book]. Santa Barbara, Calif: Libraries Unlimited; 2011. Available from: eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost). (akceptējams izdevums)
6.
Petrie A. & Sabin C. Medical Statistics at a Glance, 4th edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2019. ISBN: 978-1-119-16781-5
7.
Field, A. Discovering Statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics. 4th edition, Sage Publications, 2024.
8.
Peat, J., Barton, B. Medical Statistics: A Guide to SPSS, Data Analysis and Critical Appraisal. 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2014. (pēdējais iznākušais izdevums)
9.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. Ievads pētniecībā. Stratēģijas, dizaini, metodes. Raka, 2011 (akceptējams izdevums)
Additional Reading
1.
Berkman, Robert I. Find It Fast : Extracting Expert Information From Social Networks, Big Data, Tweets, and More. Information Today, 2015. (EBSCO)
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. Available from: eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost), Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 10, 2014
3.
Downey, Annie. Critical Information Literacy : Foundations, Inspiration, and Ideas. Library Juice Press, 2016. (EBSCO)
4.
NCBI. PubMed help: NCBI help manual. Bethesda: National Center for Biotechnology Information National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2022.
5.
Safko L. The social media bible: tactics, tools & strategies for business success. (3 ed., p. 622). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons, 2012.
6.
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. DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.v68i4.1471
7.
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. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.02.012
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. DOI: 10.1007/s10654-016-0149-3.
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. DOI: 10.4088/JCP.15f10150.
10.
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. DOI: 10.1177/2192568218782679
11.
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. DOI: 10.4097/kjae.2016.69.1.8
12.
Schober, P., Vetter, T. R. 2021. Linear Regression in Medical Research. Anesth Analg. 132(1):108-109. DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000005206.
13.
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. DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.116232
14.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere,. A. zin.red. Zinātniskās darbības metodoloģija: starpdisciplināra perspektīva. Rīga, RSU, 2021
15.
Kristapsone, S. Statistiskās analīzes metodes pētījumā. Rīga, Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2020
16.
Kristapsone, S. Znātniskā pētniecība studiju procesā. Rīga, Biznesa augstskola Turība, 2014
17.
Mārtinsone, K., Pipere, A. zin.red. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana, 2019