| CODE | MSY2113 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Research Methods in Physical Education | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Health, Physical Education and Consumer Studies | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study unit focuses on sensitising students to alternative modes of research. This unit will tackle both qualitative and quantitative inquiry in Physical Education, the various data collection instruments and the diverse analytical features required for a dissertation. Data gathering techniques include survey researchand postmodern techniques such as action research, case-study research, reflective self-study and narrative writing Important issues such as the construction and creation of meaning through constructivist interpretation, the dynamic nature of interpretive accounts, the different forms of validity, fidelity and generalisability in qualitative research will also be tackled in this module. This leads to the discussion of various analytical features such as reflective analysis as well as grounded theory analysis with a constructivist revision. Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to: - Present a proposal for a dissertation; - Describe the primary characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research methods; - Evaluate issues that include objectivity, subjectivity and generalisability; - Explain the different phases of dissertation writing; - Explore a variety of data collecting in research in PE - Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in their research project Reading List - Attard, K. & Armour, K. (2006). Reflecting on Reflection: a case study of one teacher’s early-career professional learning. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 11 (3), 209-229. - Attard, K. (2008). Uncertainty for the Reflective Practitioner: a blessing in disguise. Reflective Practice, 9 (3), 307-317. - Bass, L., Anderson-Patton, V. & Allender, J. (2002). Self-Study as a Way of Teaching and Learning. In J. Loughran & T. Russell (Eds.) Improving Teacher Education Practices Through Self-Study. (pp. 56-69). London: RoutledgeFalmer. - Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2007). Research Methods in Education London: Routledge. - Ellis, C. & Bochner, A. (2000). Autoethnography, Personal Narrative, Reflexivity: researcher as subject. In N. Denzin & Y. Lincoln (Eds.) Handbook of Qualitative Research. (pp. 733-768). London: Sage Publications. - Polkinghorne, D.E. (1995). Narrative Configuration in Qualitative Analysis. In J.A. Hatch & R. Wisniewski (Eds.) Life History and Narrative. (pp. 5-23). London: Falmer Press. - Punch, K. (2005). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches (2nd Ed.). London: Sage. - Thomas, J.R., Nelson J.K. & Silverman, S.J. (2005). Research Methods in Physical Activity. Leeds: Human Kinetics. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Karl Attard Andrew Decelis Ivan Riolo |
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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