Research Perspectives in Kinesiology, Health Promotion, & Recreation
Course Description:
The study of human movement is a complex and ever-evolving science. To appropriately understand how we move, why we move certain ways, and how we can move better, a research scientist must design and employ a diverse array of research methodologies. Unfortunately, there is no one “right” way to conduct a research study; instead, we must ensure that there is cohesion between what is being asked and what is being analyzed. To that end, it is essential that researchers have a foundational understanding of how to design a study from conception through analysis. Further, competency in research methods is more than a technical understanding of statistics and measurement; it requires the development skills so as to critically analyze questions, methods, uses of research data and inferences based on evidence. The foundations of useful kinesiology-based research, therefore, relies on a solid understanding of the connections among research questions, methods for gathering and analyzing evidence, inference from evidence, and links between inference and use. These connections will be the foci and driving force of this course.
Learning Objectives:
This course has two broad goals: (1) to build a foundation on which students can begin to develop an understanding of the methods used in kinesiology, health promotion, and recreation research; and (2) develop students’ basic competencies in specifying linkages among research questions, methods, evidence, inference, and use. To accomplish these goals, this course will:
- Introduce the epistemological foundations of science;
- Describe the use of research methods within different paradigms and the types of research questions addressed by the various methods;
- Present fundamental tensions/questions commonly faced in research design (e.g., internal/external validity, generalizability/transferability, objectivity/subjectivity, replicability);
- Explain ethical issues in research and introduce the UNT IRB approval process that researchers must go through, and other ethical policies relevant to social science and human subject research methods; and
- Engage students in career development opportunities as young scholars.
Instructional Methods:
This course is designed around the principle of, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” No one approach can effectively address the range of challenges students will encounter throughout their program of study (and perhaps career), therefore, this course has been designed to introduce the breadth and depth of the skills needed for success. Throughout this course, students will be exposed to a variety of instructional methods, including direct instruction, interactive learning activities, faculty feedback, self-reflection, and peer-to-peer feedback in small groups.
Intended Audience:
This course is targeted towards two types of audiences:
- “Producers” – students who need to: (a) design research, (b) conduct research, and (c) present research to target audiences.
- “Consumers” – students who need to know how to (a) read research, (b) evaluate research, and (c) identify and use research results.
Required Text:
- Kowalski, K. C., McHugh, T. L. F., Sabiston, C. M., & Ferguson, L. J. (2018). Research Methods in Kinesiology. Ontario, Canada: Oxford University Press.
Recommended Text:
The following are not required for this course, through some readings will be made available in class from each source. They are, however, recommended as they will be beneficial for students during their course of study and careers as scientists.
- Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th Ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
- American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American psychological association (7th Ed). Washington, D.C.: Author.
Course Expectations:
Each student is expected to:
- Review online content & recorded lecture, be prepared to ask questions, to actively contribute to relevant class discussions, and turn in all assignments .
- Complete the required readings for each week. Students are expected to purchase/rent/borrow the course textbook. All required readings outside of the required textbook will be provided to students on the Canvas site for the course.
- Participate in and complete CITI training for either Biomedical or Social/Behavioral Science. Information will be provided in class and can be found here: https://research.unt.edu/researcher-resources/research-integrity-compliance/human-subjects-irb/irb-training-and-resources. A PDF confirmation/certification will be submitted with the final proposal (due December 2nd). If you have already completed the CITI training, please confirm this with me.
- Submit written assignments to course Canvas site in PDF format.
- Respond to discussion prompts.
on time
Grading Procedure:
This course uses criterion-referenced grading. That is, grades are determined by performance as compared to standards for each assignment, not based on performance of other students in the class. Grades are assigned for completed class assignments and the final proposal, including IRB forms. Criteria for each assignment can be found on the course Canvas site. You can learn more about each assignment by selecting it in the below table.
Grades will be determined by the following weights:
Grades Scale:
- 89.5 – 100 = A
- 79.5 – 89.4 = B
- 69.5 – 79.4 = C
- 59.5 – 69.4 = D
- 59.4 or below = F
Late Policy:
No late work will be accepted. However, life happens sometimes; therefore, each student has one (1) “S*** Happens” exemption. If for whatever reason, you do not feel like you can complete an assignment by the due date, email Dr. Colombo-Dougovito at least 24 hours prior to the deadline and you will be given a 4-day extension. No questions asked; you do not need to tell me a reason for this situation. Once you use up your 1 allowed late submission, all other late or missed assignments will be graded out of a zero (0). This may not be used for the poster presentation.
Tentative Schedule
Course FAQs & University Policies
The COVID-19 pandemic has made regular life difficult for most people. Balancing daily expectation with work commitments and graduate studies is difficult. I know many of you are balancing more than graduate school. While I will be supplying the best course possible for you during this semester, nothing can replace (completely) the benefits of face-to-face instruction. Additionally, though the deadlines present in this class are meant to be the benefit of you (the student) to ensure work is completed efficiently and does not overburden you, I recognize the uniqueness of present time. If there ever becomes a time when you are overwhelmed, please notify me and we will discuss a plan to ensure that you are as successful as possible.
According to UNT Policy 06.003, Student Academic Integrity, academic dishonesty occurs when students engage in behaviors including, but not limited to cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, forgery, plagiarism, and sabotage. A finding of academic dishonesty may result in a range of academic penalties or sanctions ranging from admonition to expulsion from the University. Any suspected case of Academic Dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the University Policy and procedures. Possible academic penalties range from a verbal or written admonition to a grade of “F” in the course. Further sanctions may apply to incidents involving major violations. You will find the policy and procedures at: http://vpaa.unt.edu/academic-integrity.htm.
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students’ opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Dean of Students to consider whether the student’s conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university’s expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.deanofstudents.unt.edu
UNT makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide a student with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding one’s specific course needs. Students may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the ODA website at disability.unt.edu.
The University of North Texas is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 – The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation 15entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens. The designated liaison for the department is Dr. Andrew Colombo-Dougovito, Physical Education Building, Room 210-A, 940-565-3403. Copies of the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation ADA Compliance Document are available in the Chair’s Office, Physical Education Building, Room 209. Copies of the College of Education ADA Compliance Document are available in the Dean’s Office, Matthews Hall 214. The student has the responsibility of informing the course instructor of any disabling conditions that will require modifications to avoid discrimination.
Students have the right to expect their grades will be kept confidential. There are a few things, because of the size and/or nature of this class, the instructor must advise you of regarding collection and distribution of test results, quiz scores, homework assignments, roll sheets, projects, etc. During this class it may be necessary for you to pass your assignments forward to the instructor or it may be necessary for the instructor to call your name and then return your completed assignment to you by passing it across the room. The instructor, under the reasonable assumption guidelines, assumes students are collecting only their own materials. Every attempt will be made to keep your information confidential. Neither your course grades nor grades for any assignment will be posted in a way that could result in your being identified by other students or faculty members.
Student feedback is important and an essential part of participation in this course. The student evaluation of instruction is a requirement for all organized classes at UNT. The survey will be made available during weeks 13, 14 and 15 of the long semesters to provide students with an opportunity to evaluate how this course is taught. Students will receive an email from "UNT SPOT Course Evaluations via IASystem Notification" (no-reply@iasystem.org) with the survey link. Students should look for the email in their UNT email inbox. Simply click on the link and complete the survey. Once students complete the survey they will receive a confirmation email that the survey has been submitted. For additional information, please visit the SPOT website at www.spot.unt.edu or email spot@unt.edu.
UNT is committed to providing a safe learning environment free of all forms of sexual misconduct. Federal laws and UNT policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex as well as sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking and/or sexual assault, there are campus resources available to provide support and assistance. The Survivor Advocates can be reached at SurvivorAdvocate@unt.edu or by calling the Dean of Students Office at 940-565- 2648. If you feel you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the police immediately. If you are experiencing any form of harassment, violence or assault, please know that you can report it to me. You should be aware that I am a mandatory reporter, which means that I am required to report these instances to the university’s Title IX coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator to investigate.
UNT uses a system called Eagle Alert to quickly notify students with critical information in the event of an emergency (i.e., severe weather, campus closing, and health and public safety emergencies like chemical spills, fires, or violence). In the event of a university closure, please refer to Blackboard for contingency plans for covering course materials.