Correlational Evidence When variable X increases, variable Y also increases So, does X increase Y? –or does Y increase X? Alternatively, does Z increase both X and Y?
Experimental Research Experimental research involves a direct assessment of how one variable influences another This allows the establishment of causality All extraneous variables must be held constant while a single variable is manipulated and the effect measured Definition of variables:
Experimental Designs Pre-Experimental Quasi-Experimental True-Experimental Key: –R = random assignment to groups –O 1,2… = observation of group x (recording of DV) –O a,b… = observation of group y (recording of DV) –T = treatment (IV) –P= placebo (IV).
Pre-Experimental Designs One Shot Study One Group Pre-test Post-test
Pre-Experimental Designs Static Group Comparison Time series
True-Experimental Designs Randomised Group Comparison Pre-test Post-test Randomised Group Comparison
Scientific Reasoning (Logic) General Theory Specific Observation Formation of a theory grounded in your own observations Confirmation of a theory from your own observations
Quantitative versus Qualitative Quantitative Research Strategy Qualitative Research Strategy
Choice of Research Strategy… Based on: –Epistemology (How should we be attempting to assess knowledge?) –Ontology (Does the data exist in a tangible or an intangible form?)
Choice of Research Strategy… Study in the natural sciences often requires and Study in the social sciences often requires and
Selected Reading Thomas J. R. & Nelson J. K. (2005) Research Methods in Physical Activity, 5 th edition. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics Berg K. E. & Latin R. W. (2008) Essentials of Research Methods in Health, Physical Eduction, Exercise Science, and Recreation, 3 rd edition. Maryland: Lippincott Williams &Wilkins