This is a core module in all Sport & Exercise Science undergraduate courses. The module's focus is on the approaches to research design, data collection techniques and appropriate analyses to make accurate interpretations. It further investigates quantitative and qualitative research methods introduced at Level 4 and introduces students to more advanced techniques. The module provides an essential introduction to research ethics and the ethical approval procedures that are required when using human participants for research. Skills developed in this module will form the foundation of the final year project module. This module also provides an overview of how to recognise and develop key and transferable skills to enhance employability through relevant professional development and research experience.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Employment skills
Further Research Methods and Analysis
The module content and approaches to teaching and learning have been designed with the intent for co-creation of knowledge. Learning related to research methods will be led by lectures, workshops and seminars to develop and practise the skills necessary to confidently and competently conduct research for the final year project module. Underlying theory and principles will be delivered through lectures, but the emphasis on learning will be on the practical tasks and sharing of knowledge and understanding in seminars, workshops, meetings with personal tutors and guided independent study. It is an expectation that students arrive to the sessions suitably prepared to conduct all exercises and use the virtual learning environment (Canvas) and specified analysis packages to enhance understanding, remaining up to date with the weekly assignments. These exercises allow students to monitor both progress and understanding by continually reflecting on their learning and sharing their understanding in small group environments. At the end of every session students are provided with opportunity to reflect and critically appraise their learning and identify what they understand and what they might need to do to improve their understanding. In tandem with the academic research skills the module will also offer the opportunity for co-curricular activities centred on employability skills. An awareness of employability skills will be developed through the completion of a formative PTS self-reflection log throughout the year and an investigation in to a relevant industry, including the knowledge and skills base required by employers. The self-reflection log requires students to reflect on their academic and personal development and is discussed periodically with personal tutors.
In summary the module will be made up of keynote lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and independent guided study.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures 48 Seminars 10 Workshops 10 Tutorials 10 | 78 |
| Guided/ independent study | 222 | |
| Study abroad / placement | ||
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment strategy is designed to provide a degree of personal choice and is engineered to allow the students opportunity for developing their own assessment literacies. To achieve this, students will be provided with a range of formative feed forward activities (e.g., task based scenarios, case studies, practical exercises, role play) focussed on enriching their learning experiences and preparing them for their summative assessments. Summative assessment will comprise three components of coursework typically involving data analysis assignments' and the production of an original independent research proposal for their final year project. Formative assessment requires students to investigate a relevant industry of their choice and to provide evidence of the knowledge and key and transferable skills base required for the role. To further enhance students' awareness of employability skills and opportunities students will further develop a self-reflection log to include reflection on skills developed throughout the year related to employability with feedback provided by personal tutors.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Perform and interpret qualitative analysis. | Data analysis - coursework 1 (S). |
| 2) Perform and interpret quantitative analysis. | Data analysis - coursework 2 (S). |
| 3) Formulate an original research question with a sound rationale based on the evaluation of relevant peer-reviewed literature. | Research proposal – coursework 3 (S) |
| 4) Construct a viable research proposal that utilises an appropriate research design with due consideration for ethics. | Research proposal - coursework 3 (S) |
| 5) Reflect on their personal and academic skills, demonstrating an awareness of the Kingston Graduate attributes and skills needed to achieve their career aspirations. | Self-reflection log (F), investigation of careers and personal attributes (F) Research proposal - coursework 3 (S) |
| 6) Demonstrate key skills of creative thinking, and problem solving, communication (produce written reports and/or oral presentations; incorporate tables, charts and diagrams in documents/presentations; collate information), numeracy (collect and analyse data), ICT (to present coursework; to obtain information), teamwork (working with others), and develop independent learning skills. | Seminars group work and data analysis tutorials (F). Research proposal and data analysis coursework 1,2,3 (S). |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Qualitative Analysis | Coursework | 25% |
| Quantitative Analysis | Coursework | 25% |
| Project Proposal | Coursework | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
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