Designing and Conducting Research in Health and Human Performance

Designing and Conducting Research in Health and Human Performance, 2nd edition shows students how to become effective producers and consumers of health and human performance research. Like the first edition, this edition provides comprehensive coverage of both quantitative and qualitative research methods and includes step-by-step guidance for writing effective research proposals and theses. In addition, the authors show how to read, assess, interpret, and apply published research and how to conduct basic studies in health, physical education, exercise science, athletic training, and recreation. In this edition, the authors have also expanded areas of research design to include the PICO (patient problem or population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes) technique.

Designing and Conducting Research in Health and Human Performance, 2nd edition is filled with more up-to-date illustrative examples that emphasize the real-world applications of research methods. Throughout, the authors draw on a variety of examples that were selected because they provide a context to further the understanding of health and human performance research.

Research to Practice examples and Tips are included by the authors to help students better appreciate the book’s content. Additionally, new to this edition, is Pulse Check, which provides an opportunity for students to engage in critical thinking in all things research. These study aids provide suggestions and additional resources to assist students in understanding the research process. Key terms, defined and highlighted, enrich each chapter. The end of each chapter includes Applying What You Learned sections designed to help students comprehend and follow best practices in research methods. Online resources and guides developed by the authors to support and enhance students’ learning of important research concepts are available.

Tracey D. Matthews is Dean and Professor of the School of Health Professions and Wellness at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL, USA. Previously, she was the Dean of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership at Springfield College, Springfield MA. She has served in many different leadership positions in her discipline. She has presented internationally, nationally, and regionally on topics including assessment, grading, measurement and mixed method research. Dr. Matthews has also served as the statistical and research contributor to over 75 publications in the area of exercise science and physical education.

Kimberly T. Kostelis is Dean and Professor of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA. Dr. Kostelis has served as Research Chair for the Eastern District of SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) America, a member at large for the Eastern District, and Chair for the Measurement and Evaluation Significant Interest Group of SHAPE America, as well as served as section editor in Pedagogy for the Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science journal. Dr. Kostelis has presented nationally and regionally on topics including assessment, grading, and accreditation for teacher education.