27941 Advanced Research Methods for Leisure, Sport and Tourism

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject assumes a basic knowledge of the range of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in leisure, sport and tourism research and the ability to use statistical analysis packages such as SPSS. This subject covers two areas: conceptual and theoretical approached to research and qualitative and quantitative research methods. The first of these addresses the nature of research and its relationship to policy and the development of knowledge and conceptualisation and design of research projects. The quantitative area involves the application of statistical methods and exploration of the more advanced capabilities of the SPSS package.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Identify a research topic for a thesis or major project.
2. Conceptualise the research problem(s), conduct a preliminary review of related literature and define the research questions or hypotheses.
3. Devise an outline strategy to address the research problem(s).
4. Conduct basic statistical analysis appropriate to arts, leisure, sport, tourism, events and human movement research problems.

The subject assumes a basic knowledge of research techniques and their application to research in the fields of arts, leisure, sport, tourism, events and human movement studies. This involves a familiarity with the range of qualitative and quantitative research methods used and familiarity with statistical analysis package such as SPSS.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed to prepare Honours, Masters and PhD students to complete the research ethics / proposal stage of their respective awards. The focus of this subject is on the development of research and analytical skills relevant to research projects. Students will develop an understanding of the nature of research and its relationship to policy and the development of knowledge. This subject will also focus on the conceptualisation and design of research projects, and provide skills for critical analysis and review of literature. Advanced data analysis and statistical interpretation skills will also be addressed. The subject assumes prior knowledge of the range of qualitative and quantitative research methods used in leisure, sport and tourism research.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject involves a variety of teaching and learning activities, which may include: lectures, workshops, problem-solving exercises, workshops and laboratory-based exercises. Content for this subject will be supported by UTSonline.

Content

• The nature of research
• Developing and presenting research problems
• Methodology and theoretical perspectives in research for Leisure, Sport and Tourism
• Review of literature
• Developing projects within an ethical framework
• Qualitative research methods
• Quantitative research methods

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Literature Review (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Ethics Proposal / Methodology (Individual)

Assessment item 3: Presentation of Research Proposal (Individual)