Research Methods in Physical Activity

by Jerry R. Thomas, Philip Martin, Jennifer Etnier

This is the loose-leaf version of Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, which offers students a less expensive, printed version of the text.

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, systematically guides students through the research process, introducing research methods, tools, and analysis techniques specifically for kinesiology and exercise science disciplines, including the subdisciplines of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. The eighth edition continues its legacy with the authors’ trademark humor and is now enhanced with a new full-color layout.

This reputable text provides step-by-step information for every aspect of the research process. Part I presents an overview of the research process, from preparing the research plan to understanding ethical issues in research and writing. Part II introduces statistical and measurement issues in research. Part III presents various approaches to research and methodology—including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods—while scholarly contributors offer advice for addressing sociohistorical, experimental, epidemiological, and philosophical research questions. Part IV details how to develop and organize research papers and presentations, and it includes guidance for describing results for publication in a scientific journal. Statistical tables and guides are available in the appendix.

Joining longtime authors Jerry Thomas, EdD, and Stephen Silverman, EdD, are Philip Martin, PhD, and Jennifer Etnier, PhD, who bring fresh perspectives from the subdisciplines of biomechanics and sport and exercise psychology. Other enhancements to the eighth edition include the Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, employs learning aids that make the technical aspects of the research process approachable and easy to understand. Photos, anecdotes, and humorous stories throughout the text highlight practical applications to keep students engaged. A running glossary and key points emphasize important content. Review questions and prompts invite students to assess and apply their knowledge.

Research Methods in Physical Activity, Eighth Edition, instills in students the confidence to devise, collect, analyze, and present their research in a competent manner. It is an essential text for all emerging researchers in physical activity.

Genres: Nonfiction

504 pages, Loose Leaf

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wanted a book that could make you question your life choices and your statistical methods at the same time, this is it. This book doesn't just teach you about sampling techniques and data reliability - it grabs you by the clipboard, drags you into the lab, and whispers, "did you operationally define that variable correctly?" before vanishing into a cloud of APA citations.
The first two chapters trick you into thinking you've got this. But by chapter 8 you're conducting anovas in your dreams and arguing with your reflection about inter-rater reliability. It's not for the faint of heart but for the academically fearless. It's an oddly satisfying roller coaster of precision and pain.
That said, the authors deserve medals for somehow making methodological rigor almost entertaining. You start reading because it's required for your kinesiology class but you stay because you now need to know exactly how to avoid selection bias when studying joggers at dawn.
In the end this book transforms you. You'll emerge blinking into the sunlight-exhausted, over caffeinated, and armed with more knowledge about validity and reliability than you ever thought possible. It's not just a textbook; it's a character building saga disguised as one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 p-values (all statistically significant of course)

[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.