Research Methods Project Kevin Browne

Learning Outcomes List and describe the stages of a research project Describe the purpose of the literature review Outline the guidelines of what needs to be included in a literature review Explain and identify key areas of a literature review

P2 carry out sport science or exercise science-based research P3 collect and record data from the research project conducted M2 correctly analyse collected data, describing techniques used D1 correctly analyse data, explaining techniques used P4 produce a full research report using a standard scientific structure P5 carry out a review of the research project conducted, describing strengths, areas for improvement and future recommendations. M3 carry out a review of the research project, explaining strengths, areas for improvement and future D2 carry out a review of the research project, justifying future recommendations for further research

Starter stages of a report Using the task sheet put these heading in the order that the should be for a report going from start to finish

Stages Title page Contents page Introduction Aims/objectives Hypothesis Methodology Literature review Results Analysis of results conclusion Applications of findings References

Task 1: meta-analysis A meta-analysis is a study in which the results of other studies, all published on the same topic, are combined so as to gain more information regarding the shared area of inquiry. In a meta-analysis, studies are first evaluated as to the quality of the research, with specific guidelines for inclusion in the larger analysis Data from the approved studies are combined so that statistical analyses can be run. The advantage of a meta-analysis is that the larger size of the pooled data lends more evidence to any drawn conclusions. Gratton and Jones (2010)

You will be allocated a Meta- analysis on either plyometrics or strength development You will then be further sub divided onto smaller groups covering the Introduction Methods Results Discussion You will read the information that you have been allocated highlighting the key parts and in pairs will transfer this information onto flipchart paper and present to the rest of the group

What is a literature Review Independently write down what you think a literature review is? Pair up with the person next to you and decide on a combined definition and put it on the mini whiteboard. “A literature review is a select analysis of existing research which is relevant to your topic, showing how it relates to your investigation. It explains and justifies how your investigation may help answer some of the questions or gaps in this area of research”. www.reading.ac.uk

Task 2 Read the literature review and consider how it measures against the criteria sheet, providing comments and evidence for your reasoning

The Literature Review is not… A study-by-study, or article-by-article, description of studies previously done A re-statement of the studies previously done A brief overview of articles

Guidelines of a Literature review In pairs construct a guideline of what a literature review should look like for example a literature review should have a introduction Key inclusions Structure Report back to the class

Writing the Literature Review Always begin with an introduction to the review & end with a summary Make the connection for the reader between the subtopics & the topic Use direct quotations infrequently Always cite your sources Present your knowledge on the topics & subtopics Summarize each subtopic Include a transition paragraph from one subtopic to the next

Key questions What was the learning objective Assess your learning against the learning objectives on scale of 1- 5 What key question(s) would you ask to find out whether someone has understood today Finally pick one thing you have done well today and identify something that you could do better in relation to your learning