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HPER 6900

 

Research Procedures in HPER

 

PEGR 690                                                                   Yuanlong Liu

M. 10:00-11:50am                                                       yuanlong.liu@wmich.edu

SRC 3017                                                                   Tel: 387-2674

 

 

 

Course Objectives:

 

Upon successful completion of this course you should be able to begin to develop some reasonably independent empirical research of your own and know when to seek aid and guidance from appropriate sources and qualified persons.  Secondly, you will be able to critically analyze and interpret the empirical research reported in the literature in your own particular area of interest.  You will be able to differentiate research from opinion and recognize the limitations of published research.  Finally, as a result of this course, you will acquire an understanding of the role of empirical research and be able to utilize research findings in your own professional activities.

 

Requested Text:

 

            Thomas, J. R., Nelson, J. K., & Silverman, S. J. (2005). Research methods in physical activity. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

 

            Graduate College. (2007, online). Guidelines for the preparation of theses, projects, and dissertations. Kalamazoo: Western Michigan University.

 

Suggested Reading:

 

            American Psychological Association. (2002). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

 

Baumgartner, T. A., & Strong, C. H. (2005).  Conducting and reading research in health and human performance (2nd ed.). Madison, WI: Brown & Benchmark.

 

            Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (1992). Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

 

 

 

 

 

Tentative Course Content:

 

I.                   Overview of the Research Process

A.    What is research?

B.     “Types” and purposes of research

C.     Characteristics of the traditional research process (the parts of a thesis)

-Problem formulation

-Literature review

-Define problem/purpose, propose hypothesis

-Independent and dependent variables identified

-Research design selected

-Sample from the population

-Data collection

-Data analysis

-Interpretation

-Generalization

-Reference format

 

II.                Developing and Presenting the Problem

A.    Developing the problem and using the literature

-Identifying the research problem

-Literature search

B.     Presenting the Problem

-Stating the research problem and research hypothesis

-Assumptions, delimitation, and limitation

 

III.             Formulating the Methods

A.    Subjects

B.     Instruments

C.     Procedures

D.    Data analysis

 

IV.             Ethical Issues and Scholarship

 

V.                Format of Thesis and Research Article

 

Course Evaluation

1.                  Assignments (2)..……………………………………………..30%

2.                  Quizes (2-4)………...………………………………………...25%

3.                  Research Proposal (oral presentation 10%).………………….40%

4.                  Attendance…………………………………………………….5%

5.                  Final Exam??

 

Getting Help

I can be contacted through e-mail at any time, or via phone.  My office is 4024-15 Student Recreation Center.