This comprehensive, accessible and practical textbook provides a complete grounding in both qualitative and quantitative research methods for the sports studies student. The book offers the reader a step-by-step guide to the research process, from designing a research project, to collecting and analyzing data, to reporting the research, and is richly illustrated throughout with sport-related case-studies and examples from around the world. Now in a fully revised and updated new edition, the book covers key topics such as: choosing an appropriate research design undertaking a literature review key research techniques, including questionnaires, interviews, content analysis and ethnographic studies data analysis, including an introduction to SPSS, as well as guides to descriptive and inferential statistics writing a research report ethical issues in sports research. Research Methods in Sports Studies is designed to be a complete and self-contained companion to any research methods course and contains a wealth of useful features, such as highlighted definitions of key terms, revision questions, practical research exercises, and a companion website with web links, multiple choice questions, powerpoint slides, and other learning resources. The book is also an invaluable reference for any student undertaking a dissertation or research project as part of their studies. Visit the companion website at: www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415493932

This book makes a timely contribution to a broader methodological project as the first systematic examination and explication of qualitative research methods within sports studies. Qualitative Methods in Sports Studies assesses a variety of approaches, ranging from social historical, media text, and personal narrative to ethnographic and interview-based qualitative research methodologies. Drawing on the diversity of sport studies literature, contributors outline the major issues and strategies associated with each method. This practical research guide is an essential reference tool for students and scholars of sport and leisure studies.

Packed full of essential tools and tips, this second edition is your quick-start guide to undertaking research within real world of sport. Using clear, accessible language, Smith maps an easy-to-follow journey through the research process, drawing upon the most up-to-date evidence and resources to help you select the most appropriate research approach for your project. Throughout the book you will discover: Key points that highlight important definitions and theories; Reflection points to help you make connections between key concepts and your research; Learning activities to put your newfound knowledge into practice; Further reading to explore the wider context of sport research in the real world. Featuring over thirty-five case studies of students’ and academics’ research in practice, this book is the perfect guide-by-your-side to have during your own sport research.

The last two decades have witnessed a proliferation of qualitative research in sport and exercise. The Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise is the first book to offer an in-depth survey of established and emerging qualitative methods, from conceptual first principles to practice and process. Written and edited by a team of world-leading researchers, and some of the best emerging talents, the book introduces a range of research traditions within which qualitative researchers work. It explores the different methods used to collect and analyse data, offering rationales for why each method might be chosen and guidance on how to employ each technique successfully. It also introduces important contemporary debates and goes further than any other book in exploring new methods, concepts, and future directions, such as sensory research, digital research, visual methods, and how qualitative research can generate impact. Cutting-edge, timely and comprehensive, the Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise is an essential reference for any student or scholar using qualitative methods in sport and exercise-related research.

Research can be a challenging but rewarding activity. All degree-level students studying sport, and all effective professionals working in the sport sector need to have a sound understanding of research methods and how to critically interpret research findings. This broad-ranging, in-depth and practical textbook introduces research methods for students on sport-related degree courses, outlining the knowledge and practical skills needed to undertake meaningful research and to become a knowledgeable consumer of the research of others. The book explores every element of the research process, from the fundamental ‘what, why and who?’ questions, through research plans, literature review, qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis, to the communication of research results. It offers a critical appraisal of alternative methods, including mixed methods, as well as clear guidance on how to use each particular method. Every chapter contains test questions and practical exercises, detailed case studies, a clear chapter summary and extensive guides to further sport-related study resources, to enable students to check their understanding and develop, extend and apply their practical skills. Step-by-step introductions to the use of the key statistical packages Excel, SPSS and NVivo in sport research are included. On-line support materials include some 400 PowerPoint slides and copies of data-sets used in the book. With deeper and broader coverage than any other sport-related research methods textbook, and a clear focus on ‘how to do it’, Research Methods for Sport Studies and Sport Management is an essential companion for any sport-related degree course.

The internet and digital technologies have transformed sport and the way that we research sport, opening up new ways to analyse sport organisations, fan communities, networks, athletes, the media, and other key stakeholders in the field. This engaging and innovative book offers a complete introduction to online research methods in sport studies, guiding the reader through the entire research process, and bringing that process to life with sport-related cases and examples. Covering both qualitative and quantitative methods, the book introduces key topics such as generating a research idea, implementing the research design, maintaining good ethical standards, and collecting, analysing and presenting data. It explains how to conduct online surveys, online interviews, and online ethnography in practice, and every chapter contains individual and group activities to encourage the reader to engage with real online research, as well as further reading suggestions to help them develop their knowledge. Online Research Methods in Sport Studies is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students, academics, and researchers with an interest in sport studies, and is a useful reference for practitioners working in sport or sport media who want to improve their professional research skills.

Qualitative Research in Sport Management is the first book of its kind to bring together valuable research designs based on extensive research in qualitative research methods across a number of different fields. Research designs from the fields of business, education, cultural studies, media studies, queer studies, sociology and psychology are applied specifically to sport management, taking into account the special features and nuances of this field. In each research design the text provides a concise guide to how each model can first be applied to sport management issues and problems, second, strengthen the research design, and finally, enhance the research process. Each chapter is carefully structured to ensure that key information is easy to locate and remember and includes: Introduction, Objectives, Key Concepts and Terms, and Review and research questions. International case studies, "In Profile" sections with leading sport management researchers and research briefs are used to illustrate how theory is put into practice. An accompanying website provides powerpoint summaries of each chapter. Please visit: www.textbooks.elsevier.com/9780750685986.