Module Code - Title:
SS6151
-
RESEARCH PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Advanced research skills enable the student to more effectively evaluate his/her coaching practice. This module will build upon students' understanding of research and the research process, by reviewing the diversity of approaches and methods that may be utilised to understand and enhance coaching practice. Particular attention will be paid to the decision making process underpinning effective research.
Syllabus:
This module covers research methods commonly used in both basic and applied coaching research. Students will learn underlying principles of advanced research designs and develop the skills needed for their own research. The module will begin with an overview of the scientific process of research, emphasising the central role of research designs. Important advanced research methods will be reviewed: field research, qualitative methods, and mixed methods designs. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods will be discussed in terms of data reliability and validity by applying qualitative concepts such as trustworthiness, as well as the breadth and depth of insights, and their appropriateness for particular research questions. At the end of this module students will be able to identify appropriate qualitative research methods with respect to particular research questions they may be considering for their own masters research project.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
- Clearly articulate the decision making process inherent in research design (methodological, practical and ethical)
- Understand the rationale underpinning differing approaches to research in sports coaching
- Defend the use of particular methods in relation to specific research questions
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
- Be confident in justifying the application of specific research methods to problems in sports coaching
- Value the contribution of research to sports coaching practice
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be delivered using lectures, workshops and on-line learning.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Nelson, L., Groom, R., Potrac, P. (Eds) (2014)
Research Methods in Sports Coaching
, London: Routledge.
Casey, A., Fletcher, T., Schaefer, L., & Gleddie, D. (2017)
Conducting practitioner research in physical education and youth sport: Reflecting on practice
, London: Routledge
Layder, D. (2012)
Doing excellent small-scale research
, London: Sage
Costello, P. (2011)
Effective action research
, London: Continuum International Publishing Group
Other Relevant Texts:
Pill, S. (Ed). (2018)
Perspectives on athlete-centred coaching
, London: Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSAPSCTPA - APPLIED SPORTS COACHING
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
philip.kearney@ul.ie