Quantitative research methods in physical education

In this course, students will learn the basis for choosing and discussing appropriate methodology related to quantitative issues in physical education as a research field. The course aims to develop an in-depth understanding of what quantitatively oriented research and development work entails and strengthen the students' ability to critically reflect on researchable issues in physical education. The course develops students' understanding of how to work scientifically by providing in-depth knowledge of the scientific theoretical basis for quantitative approaches, as well as specific research designs and analyzes used to study physical education as a school subject. Throughout the course, the students will learn how to use statistical analysis as one step in answering quantitative questions, and how discussions of reliability and validity is expressed in various parts of the research process.

Knowledge

The student is expected at the completion of the course to

• Gained knowledge of the scientific theoretical basis for quantitative research methods
• Have in-depth knowledge of central research designs in physical education as a research field
• Have insight into the use of statistical analysis

Skills

The student is expected at the completion of the course to

• Be able to form, discuss and produce research questions, issues and hypotheses
• Be able to describe, explain and discuss principles for the choice of quantitative design in physical education
• Be able to select and conduct relevant quantitative analyzes

General competence

The student is expected at the completion of the course to

• Have knowledge in physical education as a research field in order to formulate research questions
• Have the competence to apply relevant scientific perspectives, design, method and analysis - be able to assess qualities in quantitative research in physical education

The teaching methods will vary between seminars, workshops, group work, individual work, lectures, and exercises in computer lab.