Exercise Science Ch2

Research in exercise science

Basic research

Systematic study directed toward the increase of knowledge, the primary aim being a greater knowledge or understanding of the subject under study.

Applied research

Systematic research directed toward finding solutions to an immediate practical problem.

Translational research

Applies findings from the basic research into meaningful everyday practices, often in the field of health care.

Clinical trials

A research study involving human volunteers that is meant to add to medical knowledge.

Quantitative research

Research that uses a scientific approach designed for the collection and analysis of numerical data typically obtained from subjects through direct testing or questionnaires.

Qualitative research

Research that uses extensive observations and interviews in a natural environment to provide nonnumeric data in the form of opinions, expressions, and beliefs.

Mixed methods research

Research that uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches in the methodology of the study.

Descriptive research

A type of research that attempts to provide specific characteristics about a question or problem.

Experimental research

A type of research that requires the manipulation of at least one variable or characteristic over time.

Cross-sectional research

A type of research that requires the collection of data on individuals of different characteristics who represent different attributes being investigated.

Sequential research

A type of research that combines both cross-sectional and longitudinal research methods.

Systematic review

Using predetermined eligibility criteria to identify, assess, and synthesize all the empirical evidence to answer a specific research question.

Meta-analysis research

The process of statistically analyzing data from previously published research studies.

Randomized controlled trial

Involves subjects being allocated at random to receive one of several interventions.

Survey, interview, and observational research

The documentation, description, analysis, and interpretation of conditions that presently exist in a specific population.

Historical research

The process of systematically examining and interpreting past events to give an account of what has occurred.

Primary sources

Direct evidence from empirical research studies typically found in scholarly articles or research presented at professional conferences.

Secondary sources

Information, reviews, or scholarly journal articles that discuss or evaluate someone else’s original research.

Independent variable

The treatment or experimental variable that is manipulated by the researcher to create an effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

A response, behavior, or outcome that a researcher wishes to predict or explain.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for the occurrence of some specified outcome tested through study and experimentation.

Inclusion criteria

Specific characteristics that a subject must have in order to participate in a research study.

Exclusion criteria

Specific characteristics that eliminate a subject from participating in a research study.

Validity

The extent to which a measuring device measures what it proposes or claims to measure.

Reliability

The extent to which the same test or procedure will yield the same result either over time or with different researchers.

Peer-reviewed

A process of rigorous evaluation of the research by experts working in the same area of study or discipline.

Research abstract

A short summary (~200-300 words) that describes the research study’s purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.

Copyright agreement

An arrangement whereby the originator of the work grants to the assignee the rights to publish, reproduce, sell, or distribute the material.

Financial support

Funding provided to a researcher for assistance in conducting a research study.

Conflicts of interest

Occurs when an individual is involved in multiple interests, any one of which could possibly corrupt the motivation for an act in another.

Open access

A process that provides free, unrestricted online access to research dissemination

Technical report

A document that describes the process, development, current state, or results of technical scientific research or research problem.