The handbook consists of a solid theoretical and scientific rationale that is presented in a simple language, which both the beginning and advanced students can understand. It also presents a balance between quantitative and qualitative methods of research and analysis, and advocates for problem-focused methodology and mixed design when the questions asked by the researcher or the scientists require doing so. The most distinctive feature of the book is that the contents are presented in a hierarchy in terms of complexity. Therefore, the handbook can be used for teaching simple topics such as asking questions that deserve scientific methods of investigation, and simple statistical techniques, as well as complex multivariate methods of inquiry. The mathematical terms are presented in symbols and graphs only when the concepts were clarified in a simple language and friendly manner. Each of the chapters develops in a clear and sequential order, so that students and researchers accumulate knowledge based on concept mapping rather than memorization. The didactics of the book enable the learner to carry over the learning contents to other courses and apply them to other domains of interest.
"What a helpful book! This will be a ′friend ′ to many undergraduate students looking for clarification." - Helen Hazelwood, St Mary′s University College "This is a great book that really helps the students understand research and the complex processes that can often daunt even the most intelligent students." - Phil Barter, Middlesex University "Few can bring research methods to life like Mike Atkinson. His breadth of research interests and experience mean he can introduce you to all you need to know and inspire you to get down to doing some research yourself." - Dominic Malcolm, Loughborough University This book systematically demonstrates the significance and application of research methods in plain language. Written for students, it contains the core methodological concepts, practices and debates they need to understand and apply research methods within the field of sport and exercise. It provides a comprehensive panoramic introduction which will reassure and empower students. Written by a leading academic and drawing on years of teaching experience, it includes carefully cross-referenced entries which critically engage with interdisciplinary themes and data. Each concept includes: clear definitions suggestions for further reading comprehensive examples practical applications Pragmatic, lucid and concise the book will provide essential support to students in sports studies, sport development, sport and exercise science, kinesiology and health.
This third edition presents a thorough review of the literature and terminilogy in key topic areas. The clear explanation of potential research directions and the list of contributors make this a must-have book for students of sport psychology.
Packed full of essential tools and tips, this second edition is your quick-start guide to undertaking research within real world of sport. Using clear, accessible language, Smith maps an easy-to-follow journey through the research process, drawing upon the most up-to-date evidence and resources to help you select the most appropriate research approach for your project. Throughout the book you will discover: Key points that highlight important definitions and theories; Reflection points to help you make connections between key concepts and your research; Learning activities to put your newfound knowledge into practice; Further reading to explore the wider context of sport research in the real world. Featuring over thirty-five case studies of students’ and academics’ research in practice, this book is the perfect guide-by-your-side to have during your own sport research.
Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, offers step-by-step information for every aspect of the research process, providing guidelines for research methods so that students feel capable and confident using research techniques in kinesiology and exercise science disciplines
ÔSšderman and Dolles have assembled an impressive array of researchers to address the nexus between sport and business. In their rich collection of research on sport business theory and practice Sšderman and Dolles identify research themes from governance to branding, from sport events to sport systems, and from social media to fan identity, and they specifically reflect on the application of major theoretical concepts and key research methods. The authorsÕ aim is to advance sport business research through critical reflection on topic selection, research design, data analysis and interpretation. Their unique approach encourages researchers, from novice to experienced, to embrace diverse theories and methods. The Handbook is recommended reading for those interested in advancing sport business research.Õ Ð Graham Cuskelly, Griffith University, Australia ÔThis insight-laden volume encompasses today's and tomorrow's research across the multifaceted landscape of the business side of sport -- from branding and sponsorship to media and technology, from club management to governance. It effectively encompasses both theory and practice. Scholars, students, and practitioners will find this cogent collection of international consumer and business research knowledge and perspectives both informative and useful.Õ Ð Stephen A. Greyser, Harvard Business School, US ÔThis Handbook directly responds to the rapid professional, commercial and international development of sport. With its thoughtful structure, comprehensive coverage of topics and renowned contributors it offers a thorough analysis on the management challenges in the field. It also offers very valuable insights and guidance how the business of sport can be researched by students, academics and practitioners around the world. The book is simply a must-read for anyone interested in the management aspects of sports.Õ Ð Yoshiaki Takahashi, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan This Handbook draws together top international researchers and discusses the state of the art and the future direction of research at the nexus between sport and business. It is heavily built upon choosing, applying and evaluating appropriate quantitative as well as qualitative research methods for practical advice in sport and business research. Topics covered for analysis include sports governance, regulation and performance; media and technology; club management and team structure; place, time and spectators of sporting events; and sport branding and sponsoring. The Handbook covers research examples from elite sport to the amateur level, and from different sports, from cycling to cricket, from ice hockey to motorsports, and from football to skiing. It will be read and used by academics and PhD students as well as sports practitioners looking for useful ways of expanding knowledge, conducting research or searching for insights into the challenges of managing sport.
During the course of any sporting event, critical cognitive and physical tasks are performed within a dynamic, complex, collaborative system comprising multiple humans and artifacts, under pressurized, complex, and rapidly changing conditions. Highly skilled, well-trained individuals walk a fine line between task success and failure, with only slig
Assessment in natural contexts through observation is unquestionably complex. Systematic observation grounded in observational methodology offers a wide range of possibilities to the rigorous study of everyday behavior in their natural context. These possibilities have been enriched in recent decades with the explosion of information and communication technologies. In this eBook we assemble 23 articles from several researchers who have made important contributions to this evolving field. The articles included in this eBook has been organized with a first part on general methodological developments and a second part with methodological contributions that emphasize different application areas. Considering the enormous possibilities of the systematic observation in the study of daily life, we hope this eBook will be useful to understand innovative applications in different fields.
Designed especially for students in sport and physical activity, this book provides a detailed guide to planning, undertaking, and writing up qualitative research. Opening with a discussion of the main traits of qualitative inquiry and its use in sport and physical activity, the authors provide a coherent and accessible overview of qualitative research using numerous examples to bring the text alive. The book is divided into five parts informed by stages in the research process, with chapters on: • early steps in the research process • ethics • choosing your an approach • methods of data collection • analysing the data • writing up and disseminating your findings. This is essential reading for undergraduate and Masters students carrying out a qualitative research project in sport and physical activity and for PhD students looking to refresh their knowledge.
