Chapter 12 Experimental methods

Contents Introduction Principles of experimental research Validity Quasi-experimental designs Experimental methods in leisure and tourism research

Introduction Use of experimental methods in leisure and tourism research thought to be rare In fact, it is surprisingly common – see examples in the last section A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Principles Components: – Dependent variable – Independent or treatment variable – Treatment of experimental group of subjects – Control group of subjects A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Classic experiment (Fig. 11.1) Random selection of subjects from the population Treatment group: Rt 1. Subjects randomly allocated to groups Control group: Rc RS 2. Pre-test observation for both groups O c2 3. Experimental treatment applied to treatment group only X O c1 O t1 4. Post-test observation: both groups measured again 5. Comparisons made O t2 O c1 – O t1 O t2 – O t1 etc A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Validity Factors which raise doubts as to whether change in the dependent variable can be attributed entirely to the independent variable/treatment A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Threats to Validity (Fig. 11.2) Internal validityExperimental design-related MaturationChange to subject during the study period – eg. fatigue. HistoryExternal change during study – eg. weather conditions. TestingThe test/observation process itself may affect subjects InstrumentationInconsistency / unreliability in measuring/observation. Selection biasTreatment /control groups significantly different MortalityAttrition of subjects from a study. External validityGeneralised beyond the study subjects and setting. Reactive effects of testing Tests/observation may sensitise/affect subjects Effects of selectionSubjects may not be representative of wider population A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Quasi-experimental design Examples: One-shot: No control group, No pre-test One group pre-test/post-test: No control group Static group comparison: No pre-test Latin square: two or more treatments in different sequences A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Experiments and sport projects One research project is likely to comprise many experiments Projects are therefore likely to be exploratory/ inductive A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Experimental methods in sport research Experimental methods in sport research (Fig ) Mostly quasi-experiments Training/coaching Sport policy/management pilot/trial projects Psychological/perceptual Equipment Experimenting with research methods Children's physical activity/play Other: A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Experiments in leisure/tourism research contd Other approaches: – Action research – researcher involved with subjects in joint action – Discrete Choice Experiments – hypothetical choices – Q methodology – choices involve ordering cards – Qualitative methods: non-standardised interviewing is a form of ‘treatment’ – Mind mapping: using MRI scanners A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge

Experimental methods: Case studies 11.1 Training patterns and performance 11.2 Visual and auditory cues and behaviour 11.3 Pre-competition stress 11.4 Sport participation promotion projects: review 11.5 Sport and crime reduction 11.6 Psychological/perceptual studies 11.7 Players and sporting equipment 11.8 Experiments with research methods 11.9 Children’s physical play experiments Discrete choice experiment: sport facility preferences of soccer attendees A. J. Veal & S. Darcy (2014) Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management: A practical guide. London: Routledge