Types of Research• Analytical– Historical– Philosophic– Reviews (qualitative)– Research synthesis (quantitative, meta-analysis)

• Underutilized in strength and conditioning research?

• Descriptive research (cross-sectional)– Questionnaire– Interview– Normative survey

Types of Research• Other types of descriptive research– Case study (job/performance analysis)– Observational research (TMA)– Developmental studies– Correlational studies• Cannot infer cause-and-effect

• Epidemiologic research– Limitations abound

Types of Research

• Experimental research–establishes cause and effect

• Qualitative research–uses a different paradigm–May not have hypotheses at the beginning–May be partially participant-driven

Continuum of Basic to Applied Research

• Basic research (high internal validity)– Goal: Theory-driven– Approach: Laboratory– Strangely, some believe this is “better” than

applied research

• Moderate relevance– Goal: Theory-based using relevant

procedures– Approach: Similar to real-world task or

setting

Continuum of Basic to Applied Research

• Applied research (high external validity)– Goal: Immediate solutions– Approach: Real-world settings

– Remember that this is a continuum, and not all research fits neatly into one category

– Follows the internal-external validity continuum

Reading Research• One of the main problems with bridging

the gap between research and the practitioner is the writing style, which tends to be unnecessarily complex– “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance,

baffle them with BS”- W.C. Fields

• Become familiar with relevant publications in your area of work/interests– Subscriptions are often included with

professional memberships

Reading Research

• Read the abstract first• Do not worry too much about

“significance”–Magnitude of effect is the key

• Be critical but objective– Do not throw the baby out with the

bathwater

The How-to Section: Checklists for Reading a

Study

Introductions (Literature Reviews)

• Introduce the problem area• Demonstrate its importance• Provide an overview of the literature• Show the need for study• Define a specific question/hypothesis

Checklist for the Introduction

(and Literature Reviews)• Problem area identified?• Importance justified?• Underlying theories discussed?• Not study-by-study, but topic-by-

topic?• Subheadings appropriate?

Checklist for the Introduction

(and Literature Reviews)• Definitions sufficient?• “Facts” cited?• Purposes/questions/hypotheses are a

clear extension of the introduction?

Checklist for the Methods-Sample

• Randomized groups? Stratified?• Groups equal at beginning?• If a one-group design, is there random

order?• Sample adequately described?• If pilot study, is the demographic

correct?• Adequate size?

Methods-Identifying Variables

• Independent– Manipulated

• Categorical or moderator – Descriptive

• Dependent– Outcomes

• Control– Things that may

influence the outcome and are thus “controlled”

• Extraneous– Make sure this does not

affect the methods

Checklist for the Methods-Variables and Instruments

• Clearly identified variables?• Trained researchers?• Reliability of measures?• Validity of measures?• Calibration of equipment?

Checklist for the Methods-Procedures

• Blinding?– Single-blind– Double-blind

• Compliance?• Internal validity?• External validity?

Checklist for the Analysis and Results

• “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics"

• Normality?• Magnitude of effects, not just

significance?• Attrition?

Checklist for the Discussion

• Summary of purpose?• Acknowledge limitations?• Placed data in the context of the

body of literature?• Suggestions for future research?

Checklist for the Discussion

• Distinguished between speculation and data-based conclusions?

• Remember that correlation is not causation (correlation is necessary but not sufficient for cause-and-effect)

• Applications, recommendations, implications?

Continuum of Certainty• Applications-uses• Recommendations-advising actions• Implications-tentative logical step• Speculations-reasonable imaginative leap

• Appropriate helping verbs– Can, will, should, must, may, might, and

probably

• Beware of Rule, Law, and Proven

Tying It All Together

• Is the problem important?• Were the researchers reflective?• Is the paper cohesive?• Does it add to the body of literature?• Likely to foster more research?• Likely to affect practice?

The Take-Home Message