Description Module: SPOR09044 Research in Sport Coaching & Development Type of Assessment: Written research proposal Learning Outcomes assessed: LO1. Critically appraise research design, method and analysis; LO2. Formulate an appropriate research question and produce a viable research proposal based on a sound rationale; LO3. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the ethical implications of research. Question/Task: You are required to complete a 2500 word research proposal for an original research study. The research proposal should attempt to add something new to the body of research already published in an area of your interest (from the topic areas listed below). Remember you are not expected to actually carry out the research. There is no pressure for you to produce a dissertation topic at this stage, i.e. students do not need to carry the same research idea over to 4th year for a dissertation topic. The purpose of this assignment is for you to recognise and develop the skills required to set up an independent research study in year four. SPORT COACHING TOPIC AREAS (please select one topic area from the list below) • PEDAGOGY, SKILL ACQUISITION, MOTOR CONTROL • COACH-CREATED MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATES • SOCIAL ISSUES IN SPORT COACHING Key Content: TITLE: (Appropriate title provided which reflects the research proposal) CONTENT 1: Background (~ 1500 WORDS) 40 Marks • What is the background to the topic area? • What is the justification for the research? • Why is this an area of importance? • What gaps have you identified in existing research? CONTENT 2: Aims & Objectives (don’t worry about word count for this section but 2-3 sentences would suffice). 10 Marks • These sentences should be provided at the end of your background section and just before you move onto the Methods section. CONTENT 3: Methods (~1000 words). 40 Marks • Provide a full outline of the research design, methods and analyses of the planned research. • Use subsections where appropriate (i.e. research design, participants, data collection methods and instruments, data analysis, ethical considerations). • This section should be written in future tense (e.g. semi-structured interviews will be conducted with X coaches, or this study will adopt a mixed-methods research design). • Design, procedures and analyses proposed should be supported by previous research. CONTENT 4: Presentation. 10 Marks • Criteria include: Correct Referencing; Use of appropriate language and specialist vocabulary. REFERENCES APPENDICES • Completed Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form (see templates on Moodle). • Any other relevant supportive documents referred to within the main body of the assignment (e.g., questionnaires, interview guide, observation checklist). Please see below for general feedback provided to students last year: The assignments that achieved high marks typically had the following criteria: 1) An extensive literature review that summarises and synthesizes existing research and develops a clear rationale from this previous work. 2) A specific and clearly stated aim(s) and or objective(s). 3) Research design and methods that were well described, easy to follow, and justified based on previous methods. 4) An indication as to what and when variables will be measured and how the data will be analysed. 5) Assignments were well-written with good use of formal academic language, good grammar and extensive use of references cited in the correct format. Assignments that have not scored so highly typically have one or more of the following issues: 1) Rationale was not clear – i.e. what is the point of this proposed work and why is it important? 2) The aim of the study was difficult to comprehend or too broad. 3) Research methods and design were not clear or justified. 4) Not enough specific details in the methods – i.e. when, where and how are you going to measure the outcomes you state? 5) For quantitative studies, the statistical analysis section was generally poor, with very few identifying the correct statistical analysis they would need with sufficient detail. 6) Colloquial writing style, lack of structure to the background and methods sections and incorrect tense (i.e. methods written in past tense).
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