Research Methods for Sports Studies is a comprehensive, engaging and practical textbook that provides a grounding in qualitative and quantitative research for students studying programmes related to sport and physical activity.
Leading the reader step-by-step through the entire research process, from identifying a research question and collecting and analysing data to writing and presenting the research report, the book is richly illustrated throughout with sport-related case studies and examples from around the world. Research Methods for Sports Studies is designed to be a complete and self-contained companion to any research methods course and contains a wealth of useful features, such as highlighted definitions of key terms, all-new case studies from active researchers and practical research exercises. Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, and in full colour for the first time, the book features expanded coverage of key topics such as online research, data visualisation, image analysis, source evaluation, mixed methods and the philosophical foundations of research. It also includes new material on the challenges of researching during a pandemic and reflects on the importance of diversity and inclusion, from feminist and indigenous methodologies to increased diversity of cases and researcher voices.
This is an essential read for any student undertaking a dissertation or research project as part of their studies in sport, exercise and related fields, including sport management, sport development, the sociology of sport, sport marketing, sport-related tourism, sport coaching, physical education and other similar degrees.
Additional online material is available for students and instructors, including web links, multiple-choice revision questions, PowerPoint slides and additional learning activities for use in and out of class.
1. What is Research?,
2. Research Traditions in Sport
3. The Research Process
4. Research Questions, Aims and Objectives
5. Reviewing the Literature
6. Theories, Concepts and Variables
7. Research Designs and Research Ethics
8. Collecting Data I: The Questionnaire Survey
9. Collecting Data II: Interviews
10. Collecting Data III: Unobtrusive Methods – Observation and Content Analysis
11. Collecting Data IV: Ethnographic Research in Sport
12. Online Sport Research
13. Analysing Data I: Quantitative Data Analysis
14. Analysing Data II: Qualitative Data Analysis
15. Writing the Research Report
16. Practical Issues
Biography
Ian Jones is Associate Professor in Sport at Bournemouth University, UK.
'Research Methods for Sports Studies has been my go-to text since I first started teaching undergraduate research methods to sport and leisure students. While research methods textbooks have burgeoned, I have continued to find this book really useful. The book has helped me to teach my undergraduate classes in a more practical and hands-on way, focusing on research as a process, using the suggested activities. Written in an accessible way, the book covers all of the essentials of both quantitative and qualitative research and demystifies the process of doing research. My students have found the explanations of positivism and the ways ontological and epistemological standpoints influence the methodological decisions they make accessible. Students embarking on their own research projects have also found the book helped to make the process less daunting. Now in its fourth edition, it includes some useful new sections and chapters such as the importance of social media, and its impact on various truth claims. It also comes with useful resources for time-pressed teachers.'
Belinda Wheaton, Professor, School of Health, University of Waikato, Aotearoa New Zealand
