RESEARCH METHODS

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• RESEARCH METHODS
• KIN 590 - CSPU Pomona
• Michael Liang, Ph.D., Associate Professor
• Part I The Research Process
• Part II Types of Research

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Chapters

• Ch 1 The Nature Purpose of Research
• Ch 2 The Research Problem Process

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Chapter 1 The Nature Purpose of Research

• The Essence of a Profession Knowledge
• Research The Knowledge Pipeline
• The Search for Truth
• The scientific Method
• Research Theory
• Empiricism

• Types of Research
• Research Classifications
• Hypotheses Research
• The Significance of Research in Sports Science
  Kinesiology
• Ethical Concerns

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The Essence of a Profession The body of
Knowledge

• must be advanced
• flow of new knowledge must be continued made
  applicable to the profession

• all these can be achieved through the process of
  research

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The Knowledge Pipeline - Research

• Finding solutions to problems in a logical
  orderly systematic fashion
• Conclusions drawn must be based on evidence
  objectivity
• Uses scientific solutions to synthesize, validate
  current practices of a profession

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The Search for Truth

• Reliance on an authority or personal experience
  - has limitations

• Looking for other source for new knowledge
  truth - through Deductive Inductive reasoning

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The Search for Truth

• Deductive reasoning goes from the general to
  specific but is not sufficient as a source of new
  truth i.e., Every mammal
  has lungs. All rabbits are mammal. Therefore
  every rabbit had lungs.

• Inductive reasoning is the primary goal of
  science is based on seeking facts
  i.e., Every rabbit that has been observed has
  lungs. Therefore, every rabbit has lungs.
• Two types Perfect inductive
  imperfect inductive processes

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Perfect Imperfect Induction

• Conclusion drawn from perfect induction is based
  on observations of selected characteristics of
  the entire population

• Conclusion drawn from imperfect induction is
  based on observations of selected characteristics
  on a small, specific number of a pop.
• Most research conclusions are drawn from
  imperfect induction

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Integrating deductive inductive reasoning

• The scientific method - an approach of problem
  solving by following a series of logical steps
  
• 1. Problem identification
  
• 2. Statement of hypothesis
  
• 3. Test of hypothesis (Ho)
  
• 4. Method used to test the Ho
  
• 5. Confirming or rejecting the Ho
• 6. Draw appropriate conclusions

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Research Theory

• Theory is a belief, an assumption, an explanation
  . . . . .
• Theory is not a law but could became law through
  research
• Theory is a vehicle for obtaining new knowledge
  by providing Ho for additional research

• Theory is general in nature
• A theory establishes a cause effect
  relationship between variables with the purpose
  of explaining predicting phenomena (Best 1981
  1989)

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Empiricism Empiricists

• Empiricism is the idea the knowledge is obtained
  through experience
• Empiricism does not rely on theory or science
• Empiricists have no interest in the WHEN, HOW or
  WHY of the facts
• Empiricists simply use facts to derive at a
  conclusion

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Empirical decision Scientific decision

• Empirical decision
  1. based on pragmatic observation
  2. only interested in the end result
  3. tend to overgeneralize

• Scientific decision 1. based on
  exptal observation 2.
  interested in knowing the HOW WHY
  3. explain relationship of observed
  facts 4.
  contributes to new knowledge or truth

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Types of Research

• Basic research
  - controlled experiment
• Applied research -
  problem solving
• Action research -
  localized application

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Basic Research

• usually done in a lab with highly controlled
  procedures, method, instruments, etc.
• -- experimental setting
• selected variables must be manipulated for
  maximal control
• aims at giving more new basic Knowledge to a
  problem, i.e., the law of learning, human gene
  structure for predicting disease
• may have no practical application

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Applied Research

• is interested for universal population
  application, i.e., cigarette smoking CHD
  seatbelt autosafety, ergoenic aids
  performance enhancement ,etc.
• conclusion drawn benefits the entire human
  population
• most sports medicine, health science sports
  science research are this type of research

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Action Research

• just like applied research but somewhat localize
  to a subset of population or skills that benefit
  only some players of the same team
• provide the basis for improved outcome, i.e.,
  behavioral modification, nutrition intervention,
  in-service training skills

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Research Classifications

• interested in the past
• interested in the present
• interested in the future

• Historical Research
• Descriptive Research
• Experimental Research

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Other Research Classifications

• Based on problem characteristics
• (suggested by Isaac Michael 1976)
  
  1. Historical approach Womens sports since
  Title IX
  
  2. Descriptive
  approach - High school test score analysis, Exit
  poll survey, Presidential documentary analysis
  
  3. Developmental
  Approach - longitudinal study of saturated fat
  CHD, osteoporosis in the young
  elderlypatterns of human grow as a function of
  time
  
  4. Case Field Approach - Study
  the background, current status environmental
  interactions of a given social unit

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Other Research Classifications

• 5. Causal comparative or Ex Post Facto Approach
  - investigate
  possible cause-and-effect relationships by
  observing some existing consequence searching
  back through the data for plausible causal factors

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Other Research Classifications

• 6. True Experimental Approach - -
  Investigate possible cause-and-effect
  relationship be exposing one or more experimental
  groups to one or more treatment conditions and
  comparing the results to one or more control
  groups not receiving the treatment (i.e., random
  assignment being essential)

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Other Research Classifications

• 7. Quasi-Experimental Approach - Approximate the
  conditions of the true experiment in a setting
  which does allow the control and/or manipulation
  of all relevant variables

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Hypotheses Research

• Statements of hypothesis are important to all
  research projects
• what is your predicted outcome(s) ? -
  tentatively explain the relationship between 2
  or more variables.
  i.e., It has
  been hypothesized that cigarette smoking
  increases the risk of CHD.
  i.e., Children with a high
  level daily physical activity are less likely to
  develop obesity and osteoporosis as adults

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Characteristics of research hypotheses

• they are based on sound theory or previous
  research findings
• They state a relationship between at least 2
  variables
• The are simple clear statements

• They are testable - e.g..,variables can be
  measured
• They can be refuted - i.e., accept or reject your
  prediction
• They are related to available techniques of
  design, procedure statistical analysis

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Significance of Research

• Because body of knowledge is expanding at a rapid
  rate tremendous progress has been made in our
  field resulting in a sharp increase in quality,
  range and depth in research
• Research in our field continue to make essential
  contributions to better understanding of the
  various physiological psychological responses
  to exercise stress through biochemical
  histochemical studies

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Rapid Progress in Research

• Research is the lifeblood of a profession must
  be pursued vigorously

• Resulted from improved instrumentation,
  development of new methods, techniques
  procedures in athletic competition, health
  promotion, learning, training retention

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Ethical Concerns in Research

• Concern about the rights welfare of research
  participants/subjects
  i.e., humans animals
• Protection of Human Subjects and Animal Welfare,
  i.e., the Human Subjects Review Board, the Animal
  Welfare Committee
• Informed Consent Statement for human subject
• Medical/Emergency Care procedures