SPLS501-17A (HAM)

Researching Sport and Leisure

30 Points

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Te Kura Toi Tangata
Faculty of Education
Te Oranga Human Development and Movement Studies

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Belinda Wheaton

Belinda Wheaton
6205
TT.7.16
To be advised
belinda.wheaton@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: courtney.kelly@waikato.ac.nz
: sharon.wrenn@waikato.ac.nz

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: heather.morrell@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5 or 9 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
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Paper Description

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This is a Master’s level module on methodology, methods, and analysis designed to introduce students to the multiple types of research undertaken in sport and leisure contexts, and prepare them for undertaking their own research and masters thesis or dissertation. Examining the complexities associated with social research is important for understanding how knowledge is constructed and how to construct knowledge or 'do' research. The module will provide students with such knowledge and a base from which to develop their own thesis or dissertation.

In order to complete the graduate research effectively, students require an understanding of the research structure and process. They also need to understand the rationale for the use of different methods of enquiry, knowledge of ethical, philosophical and practical issues for social scientific research and an ability to understand and evaluate these issues in relation to personal projects. The paper will help students develop and clarify their views towards the multiple research paradigms.

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Paper Structure

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Students will develop a research proposal on a topic of their choosing and understand how to:

  1. refine a research question
  2. decide on an appropriate methodology and select a suitable method
  3. write a literature review
  4. complete an ethics application.

In designing this paper we had to make decisions about what to include and exclude. Thus, this is one way to present an introduction to this topic – it is by no means exhaustive nor ‘all encompassing’. In 12 weeks there are many aspects of research that simply cannot be dealt with. We expect you to read widely outside the set readings and we have included some additional texts that you may find useful.

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • examine and understand the importance of the research process
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  • plan, for potential implementation, a quantitative, qualitative, or experimental design
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  • be aware of the range of methods and techniques available for conducting research in sport and leisure settings
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  • demonstrate initiative and independence in research project planning
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  • justify the proposed research design in relation to ethical principles and debates
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  • select, from an informed basis, appropriate methods and methodology for a proposed research project from among statistical tests, qualitative approaches, and different theoretical frameworks
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  • critically appraise other research with respect to validity, methodological design and significance
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  • understand how different research paradigms have been used in researching sport and leisure
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  • critically review existing research and knowledge so that the academic context within which the research project is located is clearly understood
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  • appreciate the history of scientific and social scientific method, methodological and ethical debates in the history and philosophy of science
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  • be aware of the range of methods and techniques available for conducting studies in sport and leisure setting
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • develop a research proposal on a topic of their choosing and to understand how to
    1. refine a research question
    2. decide on an appropriate methodology and select a suitable method
    3. write a literature review
    4. complete an ethics application
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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This paper is internally assessed (100%). Assessments are compulsory.

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 1:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 1:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Assessment 1
30 Mar 2017
5:00 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
✔
2. Assessment 2
20 Apr 2017
5:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
✔
3. Assessment 3
11 May 2017
5:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
✔
4. Assessment 4
25 May 2017
9:00 AM
10
  • Presentation: In Class
✔
5. Assessment 5
8 Jun 2017
5:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Note: In addition to the ‘core’ readings for this paper additional readings may be available online on the EdLinked website, There is a strong pedagogical (teaching and learning) and environmental rationale for this approach. Obviously there is less environmental impact when photocopying is not required but importantly there is also the ability to add or remove readings with greater flexibility. From a teaching and learning perspective, a “rigid” week by week framework laid out in advance discourages creativity and flexibility in delivery. Being responsive to student needs, rather than merely “ploughing through” set material, is one of the hallmarks of a good educator and researcher (as is dealing with the unexpected). Thus this paper and its structure attempts to be an exemplar of responsiveness.
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Recommended Readings

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Essential and Recommended Reading

Students will be given weekly essential readings and supplementary readings for each topic via Moodle. These are listed in the following document

No one text will adequately cover the range of concepts, skills and content addressed in this course. You are encouraged to engage with the readings provided and to regularly browse the electronic journals, which the library holds.

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Online Support

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Online support through Moodle
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Workload

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The minimum overall workload expectation for a 500-level paper is 300 hours.

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