Research Methods in Physical Activity

by Jack K. Nelson (Author), Jerry R. Thomas (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1990

  $3.23

  This text is designed to acquaint undergraduate and graduate students with the hows and whys of research. At the same time, it aims to help experienced researchers brush up on their skills and become more familiar with new techniques. The authors bring research methods to life with their thorough yet easy-to-understand explanation of the research process. They guide the student / researcher step-by-step from initial literature search through final report preparation and presentation. Research Methods in Physical Activity aims to guide both producers and consumers of research. It includes guidelines on how to conduct original research as well as how to better understand and evaluate the research that has already been done. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are extensively covered. Like its predecessor, this edition of Research Methods in Physical Activity covers statistical concepts and techniques, types of research, measurement instruments, and writing the research report. But the second edition also includes important information on these topics: alternative models for research; multivariate techniques, including discriminant analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), factor analysis, and structural modelling; meta-analysis; qualitative approaches to research; nonparametric techniques such as chi-square, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, Spearman rank-difference correlation, and others; philosophic methods of inquiry.

• Used

  Hardcover
  2005

  $3.23

  Many students fear and loathe research methods classes, which conjure up images of musty, dusty books, boredom, and confusion. Students have a welcome surprise waiting for them with Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition , as the text effortlessly guides them through the research process. This latest edition of this internationally recognized textbook does not rest on its laurels as the leading research methods text. The authors have updated the resource in order to provide the following benefits, such as: shed new light on the research process, particularly regarding use of library facilities; enhance students' understanding of basic statistical calculations and the relevance of their uses; present a major revision to the chapter on qualitative research and contributions from eminent scholars to the chapters on historical, epidemiology, and philosophic research; increase students' understanding of how to write research reports; and, carry the readers through the book by introducing three graduate students studying research methods, one of whom brings a special comical spin to the material. In addition, the text presents a new chapter on using power to plan and interpret research and provides information on traditional perspectives and alternative approaches to the research process. As a result, readers understand the essentials of the research process; appreciate statistical analyses common to research studies; learn the basics of planning research and linking appropriate statistical packages with specific research designs; discover how to bring together all the components of the research process and lay them out, in appropriate formats, for dissemination to user groups; and gain access to a variety of tools to present or reinforce concepts presented in the book. Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition , retains its strengths from the previous edition. The text is arranged in four parts that systematically guide the reader through the research process. It introduces readers to statistical and measurement issues in research and presents various types of, and approaches to, research. The new edition helps readers understand the complete research process, and it thoroughly arms them with practical research tools. For instructors teaching a research methods course, an instructor guide, test package, and presentation package specific to the textbook are available. Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition , demonstrates that research processes are not to be feared. To the contrary, they are useful tools to be used by students and professionals. This point is emphasized as authors regularly use humorous anecdotes, sketches, and corollaries to enliven the reading and drive home key points. This text removes the fear and confusion often associated with the research process and shines a light on all the aspects of research that readers need to know-whether it's reading, understanding, planning, carrying out, writing, or presenting research.