Practical methods of sports science research

Author: / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features:
(3) "Practice Makes Perfect" — From researching, learning advanced experiences, and summarizing self-experiences in sports practice, new questions can be proposed to select sports research topics. This is an effective method for coaches, physical education teachers, and sports workers to scientifically summarize and continue improving their work. For example, studying issues such as different regions, seasons, teaching characteristics of sports in primary, secondary, and higher education schools, sports load in school physical education classes, and performance evaluation in school physical education classes. In the field of sports training, research themes can be proposed from the experiences of outstanding athletes' growth processes and the characteristics of school sports training. This helps transform experience into rational understanding and promotes the rapid development of the sports industry.
(4) "Pioneering New Frontiers" — Discovering problems and selecting topics in the marginal areas between sports science and related sciences. The contact points between sports science and related disciplines are often referred to as "knowledge gaps" and "scientific frontiers." If one diligently cultivates this frontier, abundant results can be achieved. Engels once emphasized: "At the contact point between atomic science and molecular science, both sides claim it is irrelevant, yet often the greatest achievements lie right there." In the history of science, Descartes, a French mathematician and philosopher, established analytical geometry at the intersection of algebra and geometry. American scientist Norbert Wiener founded cybernetics at the interdisciplinary boundary of automatic control, radio communication, electronic technology, neurophysiology, mathematical logic, and statistical mechanics, creating a new interdisciplinary field through multidisciplinary collaboration. Sports science is an emerging interdisciplinary discipline that started relatively late in China. After liberation, after years of development, it has now laid some foundation. However, compared to advanced countries in sports science worldwide, there is still a gap. In terms of research content, it is currently heavily focused on technical and training methods, with little exploration of other issues, especially the "interrelated problems" between disciplines. We need to pioneer this "frontier," propose new questions, and screen them, which will help promote the rapid development of sports science in China. Topics can be proposed in areas such as various sports training methods, psychological training in physical education, mechanical research on various techniques, mathematical models in sports, the application of music accompaniment in physical education classes, and athlete selection.
(5) Discovering clues by reviewing literature, i.e., identifying problems while reading various books, journals, paper compilations, and other materials. This is particularly meaningful for those lacking practical experience or for students conducting sports research. There are generally two situations when problems are discovered in literature: one is when the problem has already been raised but not yet solved; the other is when, during the reading process, doubts arise about the research content of the literature, or the breadth and depth are insufficient, or the supporting arguments are inadequate. Additionally, for beginners in sports research, mentors can suggest reference topics, from which the researcher can select topics of interest that align with their actual situation.
(5) Common Mistakes in Topic Selection
1. Overly broad topics detached from reality;
2. Following trends;
3. Irrelevant topics;
4. Unclear research design, with topics disconnected from hypotheses;
5. Inadequate consideration of subjective and objective conditions;
6. Insufficient consideration of research outcomes;
7. Inadequate consideration of research methods.
II. Establishing the Research Topic
(1) Preliminary Selection — Establishing Research Objectives
After comparing and analyzing topics encountered in theory or practice, or those involved in planning, preliminary screening should be conducted. Based on the researcher's subjective and objective conditions, topics should be selected, but preliminary selection must align with predetermined goals. The topic must be one the researcher is very familiar with, has substantial practical experience, and has a relatively stable research direction. Although the preliminary topic is not yet finalized, indecisiveness—jumping from one topic to another—will lead to nothing. Therefore, after basically determining the research goal, a decision must be made after analysis and comparison. However, if the preliminary topic, after analysis and consideration, lacks confidence, it should be replaced promptly.
(2) Justification — Feasibility Analysis of the Research Topic
Before officially establishing a research topic, justification must be conducted, i.e., completing a feasibility analysis for the project. The feasibility analysis must be based on the researcher's existing subjective and objective conditions, as well as detailed materials. After preliminary justification by the researcher and the research team, through analysis, prediction, and evaluation, the plan for completing the project and the various conditions should be further refined before being submitted to the competent authorities for formal approval. The feasibility analysis mainly includes the following aspects for justification:
- The theoretical and practical significance of this research;
- Analysis of current research status and development trends in China and abroad;
- The academic characteristics and innovations of this topic;
- The scientific basis and application prospects of this topic;
- Analysis of the subjective and objective basic conditions of this research: personnel composition, existing research foundation and academic achievements of the research team, material support, budget, and funding sources;
- The advantages and challenges in completing this research;
- An estimate of completing the research.
The justification report must be filled in the relevant columns of the application form (see Appendix).
(3) Example of a Master's Thesis Proposal Report:
Capital Institute of Physical Education Master's Thesis Proposal Report
Title: Feasibility Study on Beijing Tianyuan Group's Reform Using Sports Industry
Major: Sports Humanities and Social Sciences
Research Direction: Sports Economics
Supervisor: Luo Bingquan
Graduate Student: Fan Xingang
February 2002
1. Basis for Topic Selection
The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of China marked a new chapter in Chinese history. China's economic operation mechanism shifted from a rigid planned economy to a vibrant socialist market economy, laying a theoretical foundation and guiding direction for enterprise reform. By this year, China's enterprise reform has been underway for nearly 24 years. Many enterprises have been "crossing the river by feeling the stones," constantly changing their reform paths and methods. From decentralizing power, tax cuts, and profit-sharing to two-step profit tax reform, contract systems, and the implementation of shareholding, the reform has finally found the fundamental solution to the problems of state-owned enterprises: transforming their operational mechanisms and establishing modern enterprise systems. Practice has proven that modern enterprise systems represent a scientific property relationship. From the establishment, operation, management, and supervision of enterprises, they have streamlined the property relationship between the state and enterprises, ensured the preservation and appreciation of enterprise assets, and granted enterprises independent legal person property rights, making them legal entities and market competitors.