Introduction to Research

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the 'Introduction to Research' lecture, including research types, ethical approval bodies, data collection methods, and dissemination practices.

Research

A carefully planned course of action designed to generate knowledge/information and expand our understanding of a specific topic, idea, or concept.

Basic Research (in Exercise Science)

Research focused on understanding fundamental mechanisms, often involving variables such as muscle pH levels, the effect of different drugs on cardiac muscle fiber contractile strength, or neurotransmitter levels in movement control.

Applied Research (in Exercise Science)

Research focused on addressing practical problems to improve performance, recovery, or healing, often investigating the effect of ergogenic aids, drug therapies combined with exercise, or specific interventions on injured muscles or endurance performance.

Translational Research (in Exercise Science)

Research that bridges basic science to clinical application, often examining the influence of physiological changes (like muscle pH) on blood glucose control, drug combinations on longevity, or interventions for specific patient populations (e.g., muscular dystrophy, Type 1 diabetes, cancer patients, Parkinson disease).

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The body responsible for obtaining approval for human research.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The body responsible for obtaining approval for animal research.

Direct Observation

A data collection technique where research participants are aware of being observed and usually know why they are being observed.

Indirect Observation

A data collection technique where research participants are recorded, with the analysis occurring at a later time.

Participant Observation

A data collection technique where the research observer joins the participants in the research environment and records observations.

Physical Measures (Data Collection)

Measurement techniques that use instrumentation and equipment to record measurements.

Cognitive Measures (Data Collection)

Measurement techniques that use paper or computer methods to collect information on knowledge.

Affective Measures (Data Collection)

Measurement techniques that use paper or computer methods to collect opinions, attitude, personality, motivation, interest, and mood.

Structured Questionnaire

A data collection technique where questions can be answered by research participants with yes-no or true-false responses, or by selecting an answer from a list of suggested responses.

Unstructured Questionnaire

A data collection technique where research participants are able to answer freely in their own words.

Structured Interview

A data collection technique where answers from the research participants are written down.

Focus Group Interview

A data collection technique where information is collected from multiple participants who are led in a discussion of a particular topic by a moderator.

Dissemination of Research

The process of reporting research findings through various platforms such as professional conferences, technical reports, preprint servers, webinars, and peer-reviewed journals.

Professional Conferences

Venues for disseminating research findings to a professional audience.

Technical Reports

Documents used for disseminating research findings.

Preprint Servers

Platforms used for disseminating research findings, typically before formal peer review.

Webinars

Online seminars used for disseminating research findings.

Peer-Reviewed Journals

Publications where research results are submitted for publication after evaluation by experts in the field.