Chapter 2 - research

What is research?

A careful, objective, systematic, and structured process for solving problems or answering questions.

What research is NOT

Looking up known information and fact finding.

Research Question

A question that serves as the starting point for research inquiries, such as 'How can athletes avoid concussions?'.

Examples of Research Questions

Questions that guide research, such as interventions in diet to reverse obesity or lifestyle factors affecting cancer risk.

Sources of Knowledge

The foundations from which knowledge is derived, including the scientific method, logical reasoning, and authority.

The Scientific Method

A systematic method for exploring phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

Evidence-Based Approach (EBP)

Combines current evidence, personal expertise, and the individual needs and abilities in decision-making.

Cyclical Nature of Research

The process of conducting research involves continuous analysis, evaluation, and new questions arising.

Basic Research

Conducted to discover new knowledge with little regard for immediate application; more theoretical.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving specific problems; more immediate and often has tight deadlines.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Studies reviewed by experts before publication ensuring quality and validity.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews research studies to ensure ethical standards are met.

Primary Research

Original research articles presenting purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of a study; peer reviewed; more reliable

Secondary Sources

Review articles and textbooks that summarize and synthesize results of multiple studies; secondary sources; disadvantages: outdated

Abstract in research papers

A concise summary of the research work, typically 150-250 words, presenting key objectives and findings.

Statistical Analyses in research

Methods applied to assess data collected in a study, critical for interpreting results.

Muscle Hypertrophy

The increase in muscle size, typically due to resistance training.

Repetition Maximum (1RM)

The maximum weight that a person can lift for one repetition of a given exercise.

Muscle Endurance

The ability of a muscle to sustain repeated contractions against resistance for an extended period.

Methods section of research

Details what was done in the study, including sample size and experimental design.

Statistical Tests

Analytical tools used to evaluate data, such as paired t-tests and multiple regression analysis.

Literature Reviews

Summaries of existing research on a topic, helping to contextualize new findings.

Disciplinary Context

The theoretical framework that situates a study within existing research and literature.

Conclusion in research

A section summarizing the findings, implications, and potential future research directions.

Practical Applications of research

Recommendations that can be derived from research findings to enhance practice.

Research Hypotheses

Proposed explanations made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Results section of research

Presents the outcomes of the study, including statistical analyses and findings.

Discussion section of research

Interprets the results, compares with previous studies, and analyzes implications.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical information, often gathered through interviews or observations, in research.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be used for statistical analysis in research.

Research Ethics

Moral principles that govern the conduct of research, ensuring integrity and respect for subjects.

Significant Findings

Results that have statistical relevance, indicating an effect or relationship in research.

What is a meta-analysis?

A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to identify patterns, discrepancies, or overall effects. Greater evidence.

Structure of Scientific Research

The framework that outlines the research components typically includes an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.