An Introduction to Data in Sport and Exercise Science

Data Collection and Presentation

In this course, Dr Philip Hurst (Canterbury Christ Church University) explores data collection and presentation. In the first lecture, we think about the presence of data and research methods in sport and exercise science. In the second lecture, we think about quantitative data and its applications. In the third lecture, we think about analysing and evaluating quantitative data. Next, we think about qualitative data, its applications and the processes by which it can be analysed. In the fifth and final lecture, we think about presenting data. Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash

An Introduction to Data in Sport and Exercise Science

In this lecture, we think about the presence of data and research methods in sport and exercise science, focusing in particular on: (i) the types of data present in sport and exercise science being quantitative, qualitative and mixed; (ii) the formulation of a research question prior to study design and data collection; (iii) the importance of performing a literature review prior to undertaking a study, to better understand the field and existing research; (iv) the necessity that research proposals must be reviewed by an ethics panel prior to being undertaken, with a focus being on minimising potential harm to participants; (v) Nazi experiments during the Second World War as a key signifier of the need to have universal ethical requirements for scientific research; (vi) the Nuremberg Code of 1947 and Declaration of Helsinki in 1964 as measures implemented to protect research participants; (vii) two example research questions and the potential ethical issues associated with them; (viii) the five principles of research being minimising harm to participants, opportunity for ethical review, adherence to the Declaration of Helsinki, participants’ informed consent and considerate researcher conduct.