Research Methodology

Code:

AFES05

Acronym:

AFES05

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Social Science

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=2099
Course/CS Responsible:	2nd Cycle in Physical Activity, Exercise and Health

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
2CAFES	60	Official Plan	1	-	6	50	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The Curricular Unit of research methods aims to develop research skills in master students, through mastery of the methods of planning and organization of research, with emphasis on the different methodologies. The student should master the different research methods in order to choose the most appropriate for the purpose of study and be able to properly disclose the results of research. Develop skills in the creation, analysis and interpretation of the results obtained during the collection of data in an investigation.

Learning outcomes and competences

- The student understands and distinguishes the different research paradigms and comprehends epistemological topics
- The student can design a qualitative study
- The student knows methods of collecting and analyzing qualitative data

-The student creates databases considering the individual characteristics of each variable.

-The student is able to apply normality tests.

-The student differentiates, and applies appropriately, parametric and non-parametric tests.

-The student is able to differentiate and apply the assumptions necessary for the application of the different statistical tests, considering the sample size, the available groups and the characteristics of the variables.


-The student is able to interpret the results obtained through the SPSS, adjusted to the different situations of analysis.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Block I - Writing and presenting scientific papers

1. what is considered scientific writing

2. academic integrity and plagiarism

3. research and evaluation of information

4. formal aspects of writing a scientific paper


Block II - Research paradigms

1. Qualitative research

2. Epistemologies, methodologies and methods in qualitative research


Block III - Literature review

1. types of review

2. Systematic review with meta-analysis


Block IV - The construction of variables: concepts and variables. The problem of operationalisation

1. Creating a database in SPSS

2. The concept of a variable, types of variables and measurement scales.

3. Dependent and independent variables.

4. Parametric and non-parametric tests for data interpretation.

5. Analysing data distribution and its implications.

6. Control of variables.

7. Interpreting the results

Mandatory literature

Volpato Gilson Luiz; Ciência. ISBN: 85-903774-3-1
Volpato Gilson Luiz; Dicas para redação científica. ISBN: 85-9037-744-X
Kinnear Paul; SPSS for Windows made simple. ISBN: 0-86377-611-6
Foster Jeremy; Data analysis using SPSS for Windows. ISBN: 0-7619-6016-3
Pestana, Maria Helena; Análise de dados para ciências sociais
Eco Umberto; Como se faz uma tese em ciências humanas
Margetts Barrie 340; Design concepts in nutritional epidemiology. ISBN: 0-19-261873-3
Hailman Jack P.; Planning, proposing, and presenting science effectively. ISBN: 0-521-56875-7
Hardy Melissa 340; Handbook of data analysis. ISBN: 0 7619 6652 8
Quivy Raymond; Manual de investigação em ciências sociais. ISBN: 972-662-275-1
Merriam Sharan B.; Qualitative research and case study applications in education. ISBN: 0-7879-1009-0
Field Andy; Discovering statistics. ISBN: 0-7619-5755-3

Teaching methods and learning activities

Expository nature of theoretical lessons and practical sessions. The lessons will be taught by in compact blocks of 2H+1,5H. Promotion of an active dialogue between all present. The lessons will be lectures with practical resource of statistical analysis program SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), and also of EndNote bibliographic referencing. Students must attend at least 75% of the classes provided for.

Software

Statistical Package fo the Social Sciences
Endnote

keywords

Social sciences > Educational sciences > Research methodology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	20,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	112,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Assessment in the first term will consist of two practical assignments on qualitative assessment and on the preparation and presentation of scientific papers/literature reviews, each contributing 20% to the final assessment.

A theoretical/practical assessment, in the form of a Written Test, which will consist of carrying out a data analysis in SPSS, answering the questions presented in the Test (60%).

The assessments corresponding to the appeal and special periods (only to finish the course) will consist of a written test, on dates to be agreed with the Master's Coordination Committee and the respective lecturer.

Calculation formula of final grade

The classification obtained by the students in the Course Unit corresponds to 60% of the SPSS practical exam (PPSPSS), 40% for the respective practical work carried out (TP1 and TP2), provided that they fulfil the requirements for Obtaining Attendance (75% participation in classes).

0.60*PPSPSS + 0.20*TP1 + 0,20*TP2= Final Grade

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

In these situations will apply the General rules for evaluation of the Faculty of Sport.

Classification improvement

In these situations will apply the General rules for evaluation of the Faculty of Sport.