Research Methods in Physical Activity

by Jerry R. Thomas, Jack K. Nelson

Many students fear and loathe research methods classes, which conjure up images of musty, dusty books, boredom, and confusion. Students have a welcome surprise waiting for them with Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, as the text effortlessly guides them through the research process.

This latest edition of this internationally recognized textbook does not rest on its laurels as the leading research methods text. The authors have updated the resource in order to provide the following benefits: * Shed new light on the research process, particularly regarding use of library facilities * Enhance students' understanding of basic statistical calculations and the relevance of their uses * Present a major revision to the chapter on qualitative research and contributions from eminent scholars to the chapters on historical, epidemiology, and philosophic research * Increase students' understanding of how to write research reports * Carry the readers through the book by introducing three graduate students studying research methods, one of whom brings a special comical spin to the material

In addition, the text presents a new chapter on using power to plan and interpret research and provides information on traditional perspectives and alternative approaches to the research process. As a result, readers * understand the essentials of the research process; * appreciate statistical analyses common to research studies; * learn the basics of planning research and linking appropriate statistical packages with specific research designs; * discover how to bring together all the components of the research process and lay them out, in appropriate formats, for dissemination to user groups; and * gain access to a variety of tools to present or reinforce concepts presented in the book.

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, retains its strengths from the previous edition. The text is arranged in four parts that systematically guide the reader through the research process. It introduces readers to statistical and measurement issues in research and presents various types of, and approaches to, research. The new edition helps readers understand the complete research process, and it thoroughly arms them with practical research tools. For instructors teaching a research methods course, an instructor guide, test package, and presentation package specific to the textbook are available.

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Fifth Edition, demonstrates that research processes are not to be feared. To the contrary, they are useful tools to be used by students and professionals. This point is emphasized as authors regularly use humorous anecdotes, sketches, and corollaries to enliven the reading and drive home key points. This text removes the fear and confusion often associated with the research process and shines a light on all the aspects of research that readers need to know—whether it's reading, understanding, planning, carrying out, writing, or presenting research.

Ancillary materials are available.

Genres: Nonfiction

485 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.