SP4003 - Introduction to Research

On this module you will learn through a combination of lectures, workshops and tutorials, along with independent study. The workshop components of the module will be using a variety of statistical software. The lectures introduce you to concepts and techniques, which you then learn to apply in your workshops. These (lectures) will be recorded to aid understanding. Additional tutorials are available to clarify problematic issues, discuss how you can apply these techniques to the research you carry out in other modules, etc. You will be provided with references to relevant literature for your independent study. To further guide your independent study, a rich array of exercises will be available for you via the eLearning Portal. Online discussion groups encourage all students to form an interactive learning community. The thought topics and the assessment task, will provide you with skills relevant to your core discipline while gaining an appreciation of the Sport discipline as a whole.

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP module site. Material to support your learning (such as lecture slides and directed tasks) will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The practical-sessions will provide you with the opportunity to engage with the module tutors to problem-solve the tasks. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide tutorial time outside of class time. Module tutors will provide you with the necessary information on how to arrange a tutorial. Exam-like multiple choice questions will be available for you to practice the exams and to monitor your own progress. Your summative assessments will be carried out via online testing.. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There are also further academic skills support available from the University Library services where you can gain access to study skills / academic writing and support materials, as well as links to booking both on and off campus study skills sessions.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Describe the systematic process of the scientific method and its application to quantitative and qualitative problems
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of experimental design
3. Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of basic statistical techniques

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Independently identify different types of research problems relevant to sport, exercise and rehabilitation and conduct and interpret basic analysis of related data

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
Demonstrate a basic understanding of ethical principles as they relate to research conducted on human participants

Formative assessment:
Mock multiple-choice exam questions will allow you to continuously monitor your progress on MLOs: 1-5.

Summative assessment:
Four 30 minute online multiple choice tests, during the semester, form a portfolio of your research knowledge. Each test constitutes 25% of the mark.

You will receive feedback via eLearning Portal. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial, if you request.

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Have you ever wondered how we might find out what the optimal training load is to improve an athlete’s performance, how exercise may improve mental health outcomes, or how athlete’s value the relationship with their coaches? This module will introduce you to the research process involved in answering unknown questions in relation to sport, exercise and rehabilitation. You will be introduced to and guided through the research process involved in generating new information via scientific methods. The module will provide both a theoretical and practical introduction to basic experimental approaches and data analysis techniques and demonstrate the usefulness and limitations of research-generated information.
Through this module you will develop skills that will be crucial for you throughout all three years of your programme. You will need them to develop, analyse, and interpret your own research and in order to fully understand and evaluate the research of others. Your understanding will be checked incrementally as your knowledge of research methods progresses, ensuring you receive regular feedback on your performance.
A solid understanding of research process and data analysis is a skill valued by many employers. Many students approach this module with trepidation; but we know from experience that students who engage with the module perform well on it, even if they don’t have a strong background in maths/research. Moreover, most students enjoy learning about fundamentals that can then be applied in hands-on exercises.