Course Resources Archive

This module will introduce students to the nature and methods of scientific enquiry used in the study of sport. The primary focus will be on the key debates and problems in the philosophy of science and a consideration of these when applied to the sporting arenas.

The content covered in this module will be: the function and purpose of science; an exploration into what it is possible to know about the world and the concepts of truth and fact; deductive and inductive methods in science; the use and value of statistics in guiding decisions and policy making; science as a form of explanation in comparison to other methods; the relationship between science and authority; the value and use of models and metaphors in scientific language; and the limits of scientific knowledge.

i. Knowledge and understanding
On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:
a) provide a definition and description of science and scientific methods;
b) be familiar with the use of, and problems associated with, concepts such as: epistemology, truth, fact, explanation and knowledge;
c) identify key debates surrounding the methods used in science;
d) distinguish between science and non-science, and evaluate the value of each;
e) apply issues in the philosophy of science to the study of sport.

ii. Skills
The learning activities associated with this module are intended to develop the following:

Transferable skills:
a) problem solving;
b) communication and literacy.

Subject specific skills:
a) evaluate the opposing argument and counter-argument in the philosophy of science;
b) write and argue in a clear and disciplined fashion about theoretical issues that underpin scientific practices across the disciplines in sport sciences.

Staff/student contact: 20%
Student private study: 80%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.