Understanding Research Methodologies Study Guide

Current Knowledge and Research in Kinesiology

An introduction to how facts become known, the limitations of personal experience, and the importance of science and research methods in kinesiology.

• knowledge generation and the research process
• limitations of personal experience
• reliance on outside sources
• relationship between science and research
• distinction between fact and fallacy

Introduction to Research Methods in Kinesiology

An overview of the definitions, approaches, characteristics, and purposes of research within the field of kinesiology.

• Quantitative research designs
• Qualitative research designs
• Mixed methods research designs
• Logical and systematic research process
• Peer review process
• Empirical research based on evidence
• Expanding the body of knowledge
• Academic and scholarly journals

• Introduction to Research Methods

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Introduction to Digital Resources and Research

A guided discovery of web resources, digital information management tools, and academic research databases.

• Web browser navigation
• URL usage
• Digital information management
• Academic databases
• PubMed
• PubMed Central
• ScholarsPortal
• Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
• Google Scholar
• Library resources
• eClass/Moodle
• Kinesiology listserv

Kinesiology Quantitative Methods and Measurements

Research methods in kinesiology involving quantitative methods, measurements, and sampling through study analysis of weight development and lipid levels.

• Quantitative Methods
• Measurements
• Sampling
• Daily weight development
• Lipid levels
• Liver values
• Albumin values
• P values
• Means ± SD

• Quantitative Research Methods and Measurement in Kinesiology

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Research Questions and Philosophical Worldviews

This content explores the steps in the research process and the relationship between philosophical worldview, ontology, and epistemology.

• Research process steps
• Philosophical worldview
• Ontology
• Epistemology
• Postpositivism
• Constructivism
• Pragmatism
• Transformative worldview
• Two-eyed seeing
• Quantitative approach
• Qualitative approach
• Mixed methods approach
• Indigenous knowledge systems
• Western ways of knowing

Steps in the Research Process

The research process involves identifying a research topic, asking a research question, conducting a literature review, and refining the research question to understand the research problem.

• Research process steps
• Research topic identification
• Research question development
• Literature review
• Research problem
• Theory
• Hypothesis
• Inductive reasoning
• Deductive reasoning
• Quantitative approaches
• Qualitative approaches

Conducting Literature Searches and Reviews

A literature review is the process of assembling literature to identify research gaps, validate research questions, and produce theoretical or conceptual frameworks.

• Literature review
• Research gaps
• Theoretical framework
• Conceptual framework
• Annotated bibliography
• Systematic review
• Meta-analysis
• PRISMA
• Narrative literature review
• Data synthesis

Sources for the Literature Review

This topic covers sources of information, search tools for literature sources, and tips for reading research.

• Sources of Information
• Literature Review
• Search Tools
• Academic OneFile
• CINAHL Plus
• SPORT Discus
• Google Scholar
• Dissertations and Theses
• Omni Catalogue
• Scholars Portal
• A-Z Databases
• Reading Research

Research Ethics in Kinesiology

This content discusses ethical standards, core principles, and guidelines for research involving humans, animals, and biological agents.

• Research and scientific integrity
• Tri-Agency Research Integrity Policy
• Research misconduct
• Informed consent
• Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS 2)
• Respect for Persons
• Concern for Welfare
• Justice
• Institutional Review Board (IRB)
• Three Rs of animal research ethics
• Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement
• Biosafety Committee (BSC)
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Anonymity
• Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)

Introduction to Research Methods in Kinesiology

An overview of the definitions, approaches, characteristics, and purposes of research within a professional context.

• Quantitative research designs
• Qualitative research designs
• Mixed methods research designs
• Logical and systematic research process
• Peer review process
• Empirical evidence and conclusions
• Expanding the body of knowledge
• Verifiable facts through research

Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Research

An overview of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research approaches, including their characteristics, data collection methods, and applications in public health and medical studies.

• Quantitative research characteristics
• Qualitative research characteristics
• Mixed methods research designs
• Generation of numerical data
• Interpretation of non-numerical data
• Relationship between research approach and methods
• Steps in the research process

• Understanding Research Methodologies: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods

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Excel Spreadsheet Data Management Fundamentals

An introduction to using Excel spreadsheets to enter, manipulate, analyze, store, and retrieve data through formulas, cell naming, and data validation.

• Spreadsheet components
• Cell referencing
• Data entry
• Formula bar
• Filling cells
• Cell formatting
• Wrap text
• Format Painter
• Arithmetic operations
• Generic formulas
• Named ranges
• Natural Language expressions
• Parameters
• Data Validation
• List selection
• Print formatting

Designing a GPA Calculator Spreadsheet

Instructions for creating a spreadsheet to calculate required GPA on remaining credits using specific variables and formulas.

• Custom Header
• GPA calculation
• Variables
• Formulas
• Data Validation
• Page Setup

Excel Descriptive Statistics and Functions

This guide introduces using Excel functions and the Descriptive Statistics Tool to summarize data through measures of central tendency and other statistical calculations.

• Functions
• Descriptive Statistics
• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Standard Deviation
• AutoSum
• Function Dialog Box
• Data Analysis Toolpak

Excel Chart Creation and Customization

This guide details procedures for constructing, modifying, and customizing various Excel charts to interpret research data effectively.

• Clustered column chart
• Error bars
• Standard Deviation
• 3-D Pie chart
• Missing data interpolation
• Moving average
• Logarithmic scales
• Data Analysis ToolPak

Quantitative Research Designs and Methods

This topic covers types of research designs used in quantitative studies, including methods of assessment, sampling methods, and internal and external validity.

• quantitative research designs
• methods of assessment
• internal validity
• external validity
• sampling methods
• hierarchy of studies
• descriptive research
• predictive research
• explanatory research
• independent variable
• statistical analyses

Experimental Research Design Elements and Types

This topic covers the four main elements of experimental design, including participant selection, independent and dependent variables, statistical methods, and experimental procedures.

• Experimental design elements
• Independent groups design
• Repeated measures design
• True experimental design
• Randomization
• Internal validity
• Quasi-experimental research design
• Pre-experimental research design
• Non-experimental research design
• Randomized control trial
• Selection bias
• Carry-over effects
• Pilot and feasibility studies
• Prospective cohort study

Key Elements of a Scientific Article

This document outlines the key elements of a scientific article and presents a population-based cohort analysis regarding physical activity, active living environments, and mental illness hospitalisation.

• Background
• Methods
• Results
• Limitations
• Conclusion
• Population-based cohort analysis
• Active living environments
• Physical activity
• Mental illness hospitalisation
• Cardiometabolic disease

Active Living Environments and Cardiometabolic Health

This study investigates associations between neighbourhood active living environments and the risk of hospitalisation for comorbid mental disorders among adults with selected chronic cardiometabolic diseases.

• active living environments
• built environment characteristics
• cardiometabolic conditions
• mental health and substance use disorders
• walkability
• hospitalisation risk
• social determinants of health
• sedentary lifestyles

Cardiometabolic Conditions and Mental Health Hospitalisation

This study investigates the risk of potentially avoidable hospitalisation for comorbid mood, anxiety or substance use disorder among adults with an underlying cardiometabolic condition.

• cardiometabolic condition
• mental health-related hospitalisation
• leisure-time physical activity
• neighbourhood active living environment
• Cox proportional hazards regression
• sociodemographic characteristics
• substance use disorder

Research Process of Consent

Researchers must ensure participants' free, informed, and ongoing consent throughout the research process.

• free, informed, and ongoing consent
• incentives
• ethical considerations
• permanent intellectual impairment
• informed consent form template
• purpose of the research
• mitigation methods
• benefits of the research
• voluntary participation
• withdrawal

Summarizing and Critically Analyzing Literature

This content provides methods for summarizing literature using sample charts, performing critical analysis of research design, and writing a formal literature review.

• Summarizing literature
• Critical analysis of research design
• Main findings critique
• Strengths and limitations
• Writing a literature review
• Prospective longitudinal study
• Observational cohort study
• Cross sectional study
• Exposure and outcome measures

Mathematical and Excel Skills for Kinesiology

This topic covers metric conversion, concentration calculations, percentage changes, equation manipulation, and graph interpretation using Excel.

• Metric conversion
• Concentration
• Percentage change
• Equation manipulation
• Graph interpretation
• Excel functions

Research Literature and Purpose Statements

This content covers citing literature, conducting literature reviews, and developing research questions, hypotheses, and purpose statements for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies.

• Citing the literature
• Literature review
• Research question
• Hypothesis
• Quantitative research purpose statement
• Qualitative research purpose statement
• Mixed methods research purpose statement
• Independent variable
• Dependent variable
• Moderator variable
• Control variable
• Mediator variable
• Extraneous variable
• Central phenomenon
• Strategy of inquiry
• Concurrent mixed methods research design
• Sequential mixed methods research design

Excel Data Management and Logical Functions

This guide covers Excel functions for counting, verifying, sorting, and evaluating data using logical and statistical operations.

• Count and CountA functions
• Min and Max functions
• Find tool
• Sorting data
• IF function syntax
• Nested IF statements
• Logical functions (AND, OR)
• Percentile and PercentileRank functions

Excel Data Analysis and Referencing

This guide covers Excel functions including VLOOKUP and COUNTIF, multiple worksheet management, and the application of relative and absolute referencing.

• Data Analysis ToolPak
• Multiple Worksheets
• VLOOKUP function
• Relative referencing
• Absolute referencing
• Named ranges
• COUNTIF function
• Random Sampling

Simulating Probability Using Excel

Researchers use spreadsheet programs like Excel to simulate real-life situations and predict outcomes by generating random numbers.

• Simulation
• RANDBETWEEN function
• IF function
• COUNTIF function
• Absolute and relative referencing
• Recalculation (F9)
• Probability illustration

Predicting Outcomes Using Regression and Correlation

This topic covers using Excel to calculate correlation coefficients and create scatter charts with trend lines and regression equations to predict outcomes.

• Correlation coefficient (r value)
• CORREL function
• Scatter type chart
• Trend line
• Linear regression equation
• Predicting outcomes
• Variable relationship

Excel Regression and Goal Seeking Analysis

This content covers using regression equations to predict outcomes and employing Excel's goal seeking tool to manipulate variables for specific financial targets.

• Regression Trend lines
• Regression equation
• Goal Seeking
• Absolute and relative referencing
• Predicting Outcomes
• What-if Analysis

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

An overview of quantitative and qualitative research approaches using historical cholera epidemics in London as a case study.

• Quantitative research methods
• Qualitative research methods
• Generation of numerical data
• Generation and interpretation of non-numerical data
• Testing of theory and relationships among variables
• Understanding peoples' meanings of experience
• Large sample sizes versus small sample sizes
• Use of statistics for data analysis
• Emergent and flexible research design
• Historical cholera epidemics in London

Philosophical Worldviews in Research

An exploration of how philosophical worldviews, ontology, and epistemology guide research approaches and methods.

• philosophical worldview
• ontology and the nature of truth
• epistemology and acquiring knowledge
• postpositivism and objective truth
• constructivism and multiple realities
• pragmatism and problem solutions
• transformative worldview and reform
• two-eyed seeing and Indigenous knowledge systems
• relationship between worldview and research approach

Excel Database Management and Data Analysis

This topic explores using Excel as a database management system (DBMS) to manipulate lists through sorting, filtering, subtotals, and pivot tables.

• Database Management Systems (DBMS)
• Lists
• Records
• Fields
• Sorting Lists
• Ascending/Descending order
• Filters
• Custom AutoFilter
• Multiple Selection Criteria
• Subtotals
• Pivot Tables
• Pivot Charts

Research Dissemination and Excel Data Mastery

This topic covers constructing poster presentations using library resources and demonstrating mastery of Excel functions and data analysis tools.

• Poster construction
• Library resources
• Academic citations
• Non-contiguous data
• Excel functions
• Pivot Tables
• Correlation coefficient
• Regression analysis
• Goal seeking
• Advanced filters

Measurement in Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves numerical and quantifiable data collected through observation, measurement, and questioning techniques.

• Quantitative research
• Discrete and continuous data
• Observation techniques
• Physical measures
• Cognitive measures
• Questioning techniques
• Structured and unstructured questionnaires
• Checklist
• Structured and unstructured interview
• Delphi Technique

Challenges and Resources for Youth Physical Activity

Research explores how ethnic minority teenagers and children experience physical activity levels based on family support, community resources, and neighborhood availability.

• physical activity with ethnic minority children
• family and community support
• unsupervised activity
• neighborhood physical activity resources
• pediatric obesity research
• outdoor unscheduled physical activity
• scheduled physical activity
• sedentary behaviour
• demographic factors

Indigenous Research Ethics and Health

This content discusses the impact of residential schools on Indigenous health, historical injustices in medical research, and guiding principles for research involving Indigenous Peoples.

• Indigenous research ethics
• Impact of residential schools on Indigenous health
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
• Culturally sensitive care
• Decolonizing methodologies
• Community engagement in research
• Healthcare equity
• Intergenerational violence
• Indigenous Ways of Knowing
• Aboriginal healing practices

Research Methods in Kinesiology

A collection of scholarly references and studies covering qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research within kinesiology, sport, and exercise contexts.

• qualitative research
• quantitative research
• mixed methods research
• grounded theory
• phenomenology
• case study research
• participatory action research
• narrative inquiry
• thematic content analysis
• statistical power analysis
• meta-analysis
• systematic reviews
• validity
• reliability
• knowledge translation
• epidemiological study

Kinesiology Research Methods and Knowledge Translation

This collection of research references explores qualitative research methods, knowledge translation, and various psychological and social influences within sport, exercise, and health contexts.

• qualitative research methods
• knowledge translation
• integrated knowledge translation
• implementation science
• narrative inquiry
• discursive psychology
• social ecological exploration
• visual research methodologies
• ethnodrama
• achievement goal orientation
• body image
• physical activity influences

Introduction to Knowledge Translation

Knowledge translation is a dynamic process involving the synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and application of knowledge between researchers and knowledge users.

• knowledge translation
• knowledge mobilization
• knowledge user
• implementation science
• Knowledge to Action (KTA) Framework
• journal article anatomy
• research dissemination strategies

Core Elements of Knowledge Translation

Knowledge translation involves the synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically sound application of knowledge through end-of-project or integrated processes.

• knowledge translation
• synthesis
• dissemination
• knowledge exchange
• application of knowledge
• end-of-project knowledge translation
• integrated knowledge translation
• participatory action research
• community-based participatory research
• systematic reviews
• scoping reviews
• narrative reviews
• meta-analyses

Knowledge Translation Strategies in Kinesiology

Researchers use traditional and innovative knowledge translation strategies to synthesize, disseminate, exchange, and apply research knowledge.

• Traditional knowledge translation approaches
• Innovative knowledge translation approaches
• Published journal articles
• Peer-review process
• Open-access publication
• Anatomy of a journal article
• Conference presentations
• Verbal presentations
• Poster presentations
• Symposia
• Knowledge translation products

Innovative Knowledge Translation Approaches

Innovative knowledge translation approaches include arts-based, text-based, media-based, and relationship-oriented methods for synthesizing, disseminating, exchanging, and applying research findings.

• Arts-based knowledge translation
• Ethnodrama
• Interpretive dance
• Visual art
• Infographics
• Comic art
• Musical performance
• Digital storytelling
• Text-based knowledge translation
• Narratives
• Fictional narratives
• Poetic representation
• Media-based knowledge translation
• Social media
• Digital technologies
• TED Talks
• Relationship-oriented knowledge translation
• Research gatherings
• Integrated knowledge translation

Kinesiology Research Methods and Ethics

This collection of references explores research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, and ethical conduct within the field of kinesiology.

• qualitative research
• quantitative research
• mixed methods approaches
• research design
• biomedical ethics
• Indigenous research methodologies
• participatory action research
• experimental and quasi-experimental designs
• humanistic coaching
• body image
• physical activity experiences
• self-compassion
• epistemology

Kinesiology Research Methods Index

An index of research methods, terminology, and ethical principles used in kinesiology studies.

• action research
• analysis of variance
• case study
• community-based participatory research
• ethics
• grounded theory
• interpretative phenomenological analysis
• knowledge translation
• mixed methods research
• qualitative research
• quantitative research
• sampling
• statistical analysis

Kinesiology Research Designs and Validity

This text explores pre-experimental, non-experimental, and pilot or feasibility study designs alongside threats to internal and external validity in kinesiology research.

• Pre-experimental research design
• One group post-test only design
• Pre-test–post-test design with one group
• Post-test only with non-equivalent groups
• Pilot and feasibility studies
• Non-experimental research design
• Cross-sectional study
• Longitudinal study
• Internal validity
• External validity
• Testing threats
• Instrument accuracy
• Diffusion of treatments
• Halo effect
• Maturation
• History
• Regression to the mean
• Selection bias
• Experimental drop-out
• Placebo effect

Data Analysis in Quantitative Studies

This chapter discusses the importance of statistics and how to apply appropriate statistical analyses, measures of central tendency, and variability to various types of research questions.

• descriptive statistics
• nominal data
• ordinal data
• interval data
• ratio data
• frequency distribution
• histogram
• frequency polygon
• normal distribution
• positively skewed distribution
• negatively skewed distribution
• kurtosis
• platykurtic
• leptokurtic
• mesokurtic
• modality
• mode
• median
• mean
• range

Statistical Analysis Methods in Kinesiology Research

This text explores various statistical techniques used to examine group differences, associations between variables, and research synthesis through meta-analysis.

• Omnibus test
• Post-hoc testing
• Planned comparisons
• Degrees of freedom
• Factorial ANOVA
• Main effects
• Interaction
• Repeated Measures ANOVA
• Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA)
• Multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA)
• Chi-square test
• Contingency table
• Correlation
• Product moment correlation coefficient
• Spearman Rank correlation coefficient
• Regression analysis
• Logistic regression
• Odds ratio
• Relative risk
• Meta-analysis

Statistical Decision-Making and Hypothesis Testing

Researchers use hypothesis testing, alpha levels, and p-values to determine if findings are statistically significant and to manage Type I and Type II errors.

• hypothesis testing
• null hypothesis
• alternative hypothesis
• alpha
• p-value
• Type I error
• Type II error
• power
• effect size
• statistical significance
• practical significance
• sample size

Evaluating Merits of Quantitative Research

This text examines criteria for evaluating the merits of quantitative research through the application of logical, construct, internal, and external validity.

• logical validity
• construct validity
• internal validity
• external validity
• quantitative research
• randomized control trial (RCT)
• CONSORT 2010 statement
• nomological network
• generalizability
• standardization of procedures
• random assignment
• control condition

Evaluating External Validity in Kinesiology Research

This text examines the application of external validity, including the generalization of interventions to different populations, contexts, or time, and the importance of measurement validity in applied settings.

• external validity
• generalization
• representative samples
• inclusion criteria
• non-random selection
• autonomy
• WEIRD societies
• measurement validity
• internal validity
• construct validity
• logical validity

Qualitative Data Generation and Analysis

Researchers use various forms of data generation including visual data, digital data, and interviews to perform qualitative data analysis through inductive, deductive, or abductive processes.

• visual data
• digital data
• qualitative data analysis
• inductive data analysis
• deductive data analysis
• abductive data analysis
• data generation
• thematic content analysis
• taxonomy
• theory development

Qualitative Data Analysis and Coding Processes

This text describes the systematic process of qualitative data analysis, including coding strategies, theme generation, and the interpretation of findings.

• qualitative data analysis
• coding
• in vivo term
• expected codes
• surprising codes
• unusual codes
• conceptual codes
• relationship codes
• participant perspective codes
• participant characteristic codes
• setting codes
• taxonomy
• themes
• theory
• content analysis
• inductive content analysis
• deductive content analysis
• open coding
• categorization matrix
• qualitative data-analysis software (QDAS)

Qualitative Data Analysis and Theme Development

This text explores qualitative data analysis through case study excerpts of interview transcripts to develop themes representing human experiences in sport.

• qualitative data analysis
• theme development
• interview transcripts
• coding
• narrative strategy of inquiry
• talking circle
• one-on-one interview methods
• inductive approach
• deductive approach
• verbatim transcription

Evaluating Merits of Qualitative Research Studies

Evaluating qualitative research involves assessing trustworthiness, rigour, and validation through strategies like methodological coherence, ethics, and various approaches to ensure findings reflect participants' meanings and experiences.

• trustworthiness
• rigour
• validation
• methodological coherence
• truth value
• applicability
• consistency
• neutrality
• audit trail
• member check
• peer debrief
• negative or discrepant information
• prolonged engagement
• purposeful sampling
• researcher reflexivity
• thick descriptions
• triangulation

Evaluating Qualitative Research Quality and Rigour

This text explores methods for evaluating the merits of qualitative research through methodological coherence, trustworthiness strategies, and the COREQ checklist.

• trustworthiness
• rigour
• validation
• methodological coherence
• qualitative research design
• philosophical assumptions
• data generation
• data analysis
• interpretation
• armchair walkthrough
• reflexivity
• bracketing assumptions
• COREQ checklist
• data saturation
• relativistic approach
• characterizing traits