Research Methods in Physical Activity by Jerry Thomas, Stephen Silverman, Jack Nelson

Synopsis

The latest edition of Research Methods in Physical Activity is updated the resource in order to shed new light on the research process and enhance students’ understanding of basic statistical calculations and the relevance of their uses.

Annotation

The book contains both black-and-white and two-color illustrations.

Booknews

This graduate-level text for students in a first research methods course covers every aspect of the study of physical activity, including exercise science, kinesiology, movement studies, physical education, and sport studies. Humorous b&w photos and anecdotes add spice to material on using the library, preparing a prospectus, statistical and measurement concepts, various types of research, and ways of presenting research results. Features of this new edition include expanded information on evaluating data and statistical power, and a new chapter on exercise epidemiological research. Thomas (health and human performance, Iowa State University) and Nelson (professor emeritus, Louisiana State University) "take no responsibility for any divorce that results from using this book as an anniversary present." Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Biography

Jerry R. Thomas, EdD, is professor and chair of the department of health and human performance at Iowa State University. Besides writing the previous editions of this book, Thomas has authored more than 200 publications, 87 of which are data-based refereed publications, with numerous contributions in research methods. Awarded the C.H. McCloy Lecturer in 1999, based on his career research production, Thomas has served as editor in chief for Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport and as a reviewer for most major research journals in kinesiology and numerous journals in psychology. He has also served as president of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, of the AAHPERD Research Consortium, and of the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. He was named an AAHPERD Alliance Scholar in 1990 and NASPSPA Distinguished Scholar in 2003, based on lifetime achievement in research.

Jack K. Nelson, EdD, is professor emeritus in the department of kinesiology at Louisiana State University. Nelson conducted and published research and taught research methods for 35 years. He has advised more than 50 doctoral dissertations and more than 50 masters' theses focused on the research process. In addition, he has more than 80 publications and has served as editor of research publications. A fellow in the Research Consortium, he has been a member of AAHPERD, the American Educational Research Association, and the American College of Sports Medicine. He has also served as president of the Association for Research, Administration, Professional Councils and Societies (now AAALF) and as vice president of AAHPERD.

StephenSilverman, EdD, has taught and written about research methods for over 20 years. He is a professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and he has conducted research on teaching in physical education focusing on how children learn motor skill and develop attitudes. He has published more than 50 research articles in addition to many books and book chapters. Silverman is a fellow of both the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Research Consortium. A former coeditor of the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education and current editor in chief of the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Silverman was the American Educational Research Association Physical Education Scholar Lecturer and a Research Consortium Scholar Lecturer and Weiss Lecturer for AAHPERD.