Research Methods in Physical Activity - 6th Edition

by Jerry R. Thomas, Jack K. Nelson, Stephen Silverman

"Research Methods in Physical Activity," "Sixth Edition," presents an engaging overview of the research process and available methods for students researching within all subdisciplines of kinesiology and exercise science as well as physical therapy, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. Translated into seven languages and interjected with the humor that has become a welcome component of this internationally recognized text, the sixth edition of "Research Methods in Physical Activity" also includes these enhancements:

- Significant updates on the use of library services, including an in-depth discussion of effective electronic searches and information filing

- Fewer hand calculations and increased focus on computational procedures for basic statistics, supplemented with examples from the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze data on 30 players from the 2008 Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour

- An updated and expanded chapter on the growing merit of using qualitative research to help answer research questions rather than relying solely on the traditional scientific approaches

- A new chapter devoted to mixed-methods models of research that employ both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a more balanced look at the research problem

In addition to the improvements in the sixth edition, "Research Methods in Physical Activity" maintains the logical progression and presentation of information that make it the leading text in the field. It discusses all stages of the research process--including formulating and defining a research problem, analyzing data, and presenting results--and offers students practical help with the logistics of beginning, conducting, and completing their research. Readers are introduced to basic statistical and measurement concepts and learn how to complete statistical analysis of research results. Individual chapters on historical, philosophical, epidemiological, descriptive, experimental, and qualitative research acquaint students with possible research approaches, while a new final chapter in that section introduces mixed-methods models that combine different categories of research into one study. In those chapters, four scholarly contributors lend their expertise to provide in-depth knowledge from their respective fields. In addition, humorous stories, anecdotes, and photos are sprinkled throughout the text to demonstrate key points and enliven the reading without detracting from the content. The text concludes with instructions on preparing and presenting the research report.

By systematically guiding the reader through the research process, "Research Methods in Physical Activity," " Sixth Edition," provides practical research tools and replaces research-induced anxiety and confusion with competency in understanding, planning, conducting, assessing, and presenting research.

Genres: Nonfiction

472 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Emma Samuels · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel bad about this review for two reasons.

1. It is a textbook. Reviewing it feels weird, but I have strong enough feelings about this book that I thought I would incase anyone is considering it just as a “good reference book” that they want to have.

2. A 1 star rating. It feels mean. But my feelings on it are just that strong.

I had to use this textbook for an undergraduate course on how to conduct research. The class wasn’t the best in terms of structure, but this book made it 100 times worse. There just really isn’t much info in it. And what little info there is, is spread throughout pages of sarcasm and stupid little anecdotes because the author is trying to be funny. It isn’t funny at all. It is just weird. I give you two examples to illustrate my point.

1. The picture of an overly excited nun on page 70 who is hula hooping. Why?? Why is that necessary?

2. “Research is like trying to extract sunlight from a cucumber.” What is that even supposed to mean?

So, long story short, I do not recommend this book at all. It just isn’t worth it. I’m just glad I managed to find a used copy for $10 and didn’t waste over $100 on it like the rest of my classmates.

[A.J. Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can a research methods book be good? The authors try. Woefully inadequate for my learning style and the class.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative! Necessary for a class I was taking but the authors put a few kines and science jokes in there that made it fun

[Tyffanie A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easy to read and breaks concepts down well although sometimes you feel like it is talking down to you. Had to read it for graduate class, but used it more as a reference.