Research Methods in Physical Activity

by Jerry R. Thomas, Jack K. Nelson

Researchers in the physical activity field must have a firm understanding of the research process in order to evaluate data and reach valid conclusions. Research Methods in Physical Activity, fourth edition, facilitates this understanding in a format that is both instructional and entertaining to read. Designed for the graduate-level student enrolled in a research methods course, the text also is an excellent reference for experienced researchers wishing to hone their analytical skills as well as learn new research methods and techniques. The concepts apply to every aspect of the study of physical activity, including exercise science, kinesiology, movement studies, physical education, sport science, and sport studies. Research Methods in Physical Activity, fourth edition, is completely revised and updated. Features of this new edition include · expanded information on evaluating data and statistical power,
· a simplified explanation of multivariate procedures,
· a new approach to nonparametrics parallel with parametric procedures, and
· a new chapter on exercise epidemiological research. Research Methods in Physical Activity, fourth edition, covers all aspects of the research process, from developing and defining a research problem to writing a research report. Readers will enjoy the humorous anecdotes and sketches, a reflection of the authors' belief that research reporting need not be dry and pompous; it can be entertaining.

Genres: Nonfiction

449 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wanted a book that could make you question your life choices and your statistical methods at the same time, this is it. This book doesn't just teach you about sampling techniques and data reliability - it grabs you by the clipboard, drags you into the lab, and whispers, "did you operationally define that variable correctly?" before vanishing into a cloud of APA citations.
The first two chapters trick you into thinking you've got this. But by chapter 8 you're conducting anovas in your dreams and arguing with your reflection about inter-rater reliability. It's not for the faint of heart but for the academically fearless. It's an oddly satisfying roller coaster of precision and pain.
That said, the authors deserve medals for somehow making methodological rigor almost entertaining. You start reading because it's required for your kinesiology class but you stay because you now need to know exactly how to avoid selection bias when studying joggers at dawn.
In the end this book transforms you. You'll emerge blinking into the sunlight-exhausted, over caffeinated, and armed with more knowledge about validity and reliability than you ever thought possible. It's not just a textbook; it's a character building saga disguised as one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 p-values (all statistically significant of course)

[Emma Samuels · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad about this review for two reasons.

1. It is a textbook. Reviewing it feels weird, but I have strong enough feelings about this book that I thought I would incase anyone is considering it just as a “good reference book” that they want to have.

2. A 1 star rating. It feels mean. But my feelings on it are just that strong.

I had to use this textbook for an undergraduate course on how to conduct research. The class wasn’t the best in terms of structure, but this book made it 100 times worse. There just really isn’t much info in it. And what little info there is, is spread throughout pages of sarcasm and stupid little anecdotes because the author is trying to be funny. It isn’t funny at all. It is just weird. I give you two examples to illustrate my point.

1. The picture of an overly excited nun on page 70 who is hula hooping. Why?? Why is that necessary?

2. “Research is like trying to extract sunlight from a cucumber.” What is that even supposed to mean?

So, long story short, I do not recommend this book at all. It just isn’t worth it. I’m just glad I managed to find a used copy for $10 and didn’t waste over $100 on it like the rest of my classmates.

[A.J. Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can a research methods book be good? The authors try. Woefully inadequate for my learning style and the class.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! Necessary for a class I was taking but the authors put a few kines and science jokes in there that made it fun

[Tyffanie A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy to read and breaks concepts down well although sometimes you feel like it is talking down to you. Had to read it for graduate class, but used it more as a reference.