AES-6050 Online Syllabus

Research Methods

University Mission:
As a distinctive, comprehensive university of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, centered
in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and based in the liberal arts, Concordia University Chicago
(CUC) equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence, and
compassion in a diverse, interconnected, and increasingly urbanized church and world.

Ethics, Honesty, and Concordia University Chicago Honor Code:

By virtue of your enrollment in this course, you are committing yourself to Concordia
University Chicago’s honor code. It reads:

"As a student of CUC and a member of the larger society, I pledge to uphold an academic
honor code that supports serving and leading with strong personal integrity. Specifically,
this includes not cheating or using inappropriate or dishonest means to complete anything I
do for a grade, program or graduation requirement. This also includes not giving
unauthorized assistance to, or participating in inappropriate collaboration with, others. I
understand that this is a privilege and it is my responsibility to uphold actively this honor
system. Furthermore, this pledge signifies that I will treat others with utmost respect in my
academic pursuits, within and beyond the confines of a classroom, as I expect others to
treat me" (www.cuchicago.edu/academics/university-honor-code)

In accordance with the honor code, turning in any piece of work constitutes your pledge that your
documents are original and that you have not given or received any unauthorized assistance in
completing your assignments. Plagiarism, the use of intellectual material produced by another
person without acknowledging its source, is therefore not permissible.

For example:
• Widespread copying of passages from works of others into an assignment, paper,
discussion board posting, thesis or dissertation without acknowledgement.
• Using the views, opinions, or insights of another without acknowledgement.
• Paraphrasing another person’s characteristic or original phraseology, metaphor, or other
literacy device without acknowledgement.

As a result of your commitment to the university’s honor code, violations of the code will have
serious repercussions. Academic consequences resulting from violations could range from a
zero on the assignment or examination (which will count in your overall point total for this
course) to failure of the course. Multiple violations will be reviewed by the Honor Code Council
and could result in a failing course grade, suspension or expulsion from the university.

Rev. Pg. 1
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Americans with Disability Act (ADA):

Concordia University Chicago is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in
its programs, as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Any student who,
because of a disability, requires accommodations to participate in a course should speak with the
instructor and contact the Center for Accessibility and Resource for Excellence (CARE).
Disabilities covered by ADA may include chronic health conditions as well as learning,
psychiatric, or physical disabilities. CARE is part of the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE).

Please contact: ACE/CARE Office – Klinck Memorial Library,

Room 025,
708-209-3462
Additional information may be found here:
https://www.cuchicago.edu/academics/success/disability-services/

Diversity
Students are expected to respect diversity of thought, opinion and background in all aspects of
interaction and communication. The course incorporates and supports aspects of a diverse
learning society.

Guidelines

Class Attendance and Participation Policy:

Research clearly indicates that class attendance is an integral factor in student learning. The
importance of attendance is even more amplified in the Concordia eight-week term. Any student
who is absent 25% or more of the designated instructional time may receive a grade of “F” for
the course. Your online course room attendance is required, and it is highly suggested that you
maintain a minimum online course room presence of 5 days a week, with no more than 2
consecutive days without being present in the university’s course room environment. If you
encounter an unexpected circumstance that results in an extended absence, you are required to
communicate with your instructor and your academic advisor to request an official leave of
absence. Emergency situations will be considered on a student-by-student basis.

Students are responsible for participating in this course through the following academic
activities:
• completing assigned readings from both texts and supplemental articles,
• responding to module discussion questions by posting to discussion boards on time,
• participating in the discussions with classmates and instructor, and • submitting
assignments for each learning module on the due date.

This course is organized by weekly learning modules. All assigned readings and lesson
recordings for the module are to be completed before completing assignments and assessments.

Rev. Pg. 2
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

After completing the assigned readings and any ancillary materials posted by the instructor, e.g.
power points, etc. students will respond to discussion question(s) in the discussion are designated
for that module in Blackboard. Instructions for responding to the Discussion Questions are
provided.

Posting and Responding to Discussion Questions:

Discussions require a response to specific questions that results in collaborative conversations
and construction of knowledge that builds and expands learning within the course. You must
support your Discussion postings and responses with references, unless you are asked to
provide personal opinion or personal reflection for a specific question. Ensure your discussion
post addresses the purpose of the posed question. Unless noted otherwise, your initial
discussion postings should be approximately 250 words in length, substantive and scholarly in
nature. You are required to respond to each Discussion posting, each week, within each
module and provide a minimum of two responses to colleagues in the following ways:
• Suggest why you might see things differently.
• Ask a probing or clarifying question.
• Share an insight from having read the colleague's posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on the colleague's posting.
• Ask for evidence that supports the posting.
• Always be respectful and collegial.

Technology Expectations:
A. Students will complete assignments using the Internet and library-technology based
database, such as the university’s research database when conducting literature searches
and course assignments and discussions.
B. Students will interact with their instructor and other classmates through the Blackboard
virtual classroom, including retrieving their syllabus, participating in structured
discussions, submitting assignments, and communicating with their professor.
C. Students are expected to use their Concordia email for all correspondence. Students
should log into Concordia Connect to check their email on a regular basis.
D. Check your browser. Clicking on the previous link will take you to the Blackboard
Browser check and will provide information on the compatibility of your browser with
Blackboard.

Request for an Incomplete:

The grade of "incomplete" is awarded by an instructor who has determined that, because of
circumstances beyond the control of the student (e.g., illness, or death in the family); the student
needs more time to complete the course and/or to succeed optimally. Any request for a grade of
incomplete must be initiated by the student. The instructor determines approval of the

Rev. Pg. 3
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

incomplete. Incomplete grades range from IA to IF. The "I" indicates an incomplete grade; the
second letter (A
- F) indicates the default grade if a grade is not submitted at the end of the six - week completion
period. An "Incomplete" grade must be resolved within six (6) weeks of the end of the term in
which the grade was received. At that time, the instructor will assign a grade. Permission for
additional time beyond the 6-week deadline may be granted only with the approval of the
instructor and the Registrar. Whether or not the student is enrolled during the following term has
no effect upon this completion date. If no grade is issued after the 6-week period, the default
grade will be issued and stand as a final grade on the student's record.

Grading Scale

93-100 A 4.00 82-80 B- 2.67 69-67 D+ 1.33

90-92 A- 3.67 79-77 C+ 2.33 66-63 D 1.00
89-87 B+ 3.33 76-73 C 2.00 62-60 D- .67
86-83 B 3.00 72-70 C- 1.67 59 and below F .00

Late Work Policy:

Assignments
Student work is considered late when it is submitted past the stated due date. However,
students are encouraged to turn in assignments after the submission deadline. For each day the
assignment is submitted past the due date the student will face increasingly severe point
deductions. The student has a three-day window to submit work past the due date. One day
late garners a 20%point deduction, two days late garners a 30% deduction, and three days late
garners a 40% deduction. If the assignment is not submitted within three days of the due date
the student will automatically receive a zero on the assignment.

Quizzes
Quizzes are not accepted late in order to ensure the integrity of the assessment. All quizzes will
close at the deadline and will open up for student review immediately after the deadline. A
student who does not complete the quiz by the deadline will automatically receive a zero.

Discussion Assignments
All discussion thread rubrics will have a category for timeliness. A student who submits their
discussion thread late will receive their point-penalty in this area of the rubric. Peer-responses
will not be accepted late due to the progression to the new module and content. Students who do
not submit peer-responses/appropriate number of discussion thread responses will receive a
pointpenalty in this area of the discussion thread rubric.

Rev. Pg. 4
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Plagiarism Policy:
For help understanding what plagiarism is, why it is a serious issue, and how to prevent it
please explore https://www.plagiarism.org/article/what-is-plagiarism.

Students are most likely committing plagiarism by:

1. Copying and pasting directly from internet or source (including another students’ work)
2. Failure to attribute source
3. Failure to change wording sufficiently from original source

Penalty for a student caught plagiarizing:

1. Automatic zero on the assignment
2. Student must redo the assignment with no expectation for credit – Student will replace
plagiarism with original work
3. Student must submit in writing what plagiarism is, how their submission was guilty of
plagiarizing, and a statement in which they pledge not to do it again in the future
4. If another infraction occurs, the penalty could be more severe, up to and including being
expelled from the University.

Please note: All assignments are submitted through SafeAssign which automatically highlights
any suspicious passages for instructors

Course Description:
Selected research techniques and designs utilized in exercise science research with emphasis on
general statistics, interpretation of data, research ethics, scientific writing and library use. (3
credit hours)

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing

Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
A. Discuss the essential steps of the scientific method of inquiry.
B. Demonstrate proficiency in finding and evaluating research resources on desired topics.
C. Identify the major types of research designs used in exercise science research including:
a. descriptive, correlation, longitudinal, cross--‐sectional, experimental, quasi -‐
D. experimental, survey, mixed methods, qualitative and meta--‐analysis.
E. Analyze research reports in relevant literature and suggest ways to improve literature
review, research design, and data collection procedures. E. Complete research ethics
web-based training course.

Rev. Pg. 5
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Principle Units Taught in the Course:

A. Introduction to Research in Exercise Science
B. Conducting Research Literature Reviews
C. Statistics and Measurement Concepts
D. Types of Research
E. Reporting Research

Required Texts and Readings: Texts:

• Thomas, J.R., Nelson, J.K., & Silverman, S.J. (2015). Research Methods in Physical
Activity (7th. edition). Champaign: Human Kinetics.
• American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological
Association.

Recommended Reading/Bibliographic Material:

• Fink, A. (2010). Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From Internet to Paper (3rd.
• edition). Washington DC: Sage.
• Issac, S., & Michael, W.B. (1997). Handbook in Research and Evaluation. San Diego,
CA: Educational and Industrial Testing Services.

• National Institute of Health. (n.d.) Protecting Human Research Participants. Retrieved

from http://phrp.nihtraining.com/users/login.php.
• Pyrczak, F. (2008). Evaluating Research in Academic Journals. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak
Publishing.
• Voelker, D.H., & Orton, P.Z. (1993). Statistics. Lincoln, NE: Cliffs Notes, Inc.
• Weiner, J. (2007). Measurement: Reliability and validity measures. Introduction to
Methods for Health Services Research and Evaluation. Retrieved from
http://ocw.jhsph.edu/courses/HSRE/PDFs/HSRE_lect7_weiner.pdf.
• Wojciechowicz, L. (2011). Internet for Allied Health. Retrieved from
http://goo.gl/2qfF6.

Rev. Pg. 6
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Course Calendar

Module 1: Introduction to Research – Part I

Overview:
Assignment Due Date Format Grading Points
Self-introduction Day 1 Discussion 0
Reading Quiz Day 7 Quiz 10
Discussion 1 Day 5/7 Discussion 10
Assignment Day 7 Assignment 10

Learning module description/summary: In this module you will explore the scientific method of
problem solving. You will investigate common types of research, steps of the research process,
and elements of reviewing literature and scientific writing. Your main goal within this module
is to identify and develop an appropriate research problem.

Module Outcomes/Objectives:
• Explain and apply the scientific method of problem solving.
• Identify and explain common types of research.
• Identify and explain the primary steps of the research process.
• Identify and apply the six steps of reviewing literature.
• Identify relevant journals based on impact factor.
• Identify and apply the ten commandments of good writing.
• Develop an appropriate research problem.

Required Readings/Resources:
• Research Methods – Chapters 1 & 2
• Literature Review and Focusing the Research
• The Writing Center. (n.d.). Retrieved May 10, 2018, from
https://cuchicago.edu/academics/success/the-writing-center/
• Nkulibrary. (2014, July 28). Developing a Research Question. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWLYCYeCFak
• HistoryLectures. (2013, March 08). Writing Research Questions. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqJkMZXsbeY
• DrMaggard. (2014, October 07). Research Questions. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnwnZzv1RGY
• Indiana University Bloomington. (n.d.). Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research
Question. Retrieved from
https://libraries.indiana.edu/sites/default/files/Develop_a_Research_Question.pdf

Rev. Pg. 7
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Assessments:
By Day 3 complete the Introduction Quiz.

Discussions: Introduction Discussion

• Review the following article http://www.apa.org/monitor/jan03/principles.aspx.
• By Day 3, introduce yourself to the class by sharing why you believe ethics are
important in research, sharing a picture of yourself, and sharing your LinkedIn profile.
• By Day 5, please respond to two peers (and connect with them) and connect with your
instructor on LinkedIn.
Additional Ethics Resources:
• https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm
• Smith, D. (2003, January). Five Principles for Research Ethics. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/monitor/jan03/principles.aspx
• Resnik, D. B. (2015, December 1). What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important?
Retrieved from
https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm

Module 1 Discussion: By Day 4, post your research problem, why you are interested in your
selected issue, and the process you went through to narrow your topic/ research problem down.
The video and text resources for this week will be of immense help in creating your research
problem (see required reading). By Day 7, please respond to two peers. Within your responses
(but not the total sum of your response) provide feedback on your peer’s topic and provide two
journals (based on impact factor) that may be of use to your peer in investigating his or her
topic.

***Please note: You may change your research problem as the term progress. All topic
changes should be communicated and approved by the instructor. Due to the pace of the course,
we suggest that you pick something you are interested in and stick with it.

Assignments:
Module 1 Assignment: Due Day 7.

For this assignment you must complete an article critique. Please use page 48 of the Research
Methods text and https://www.citewrite.qut.edu.au/write/critique.jsp as a guide. The article
should pertain to your research problem and be attached to your submission. Your submission
should not exceed three pages, utilize APA format, and include the CUC cover page.
• Queensland University of Technology. (n.d.). Writing a Critique. Retrieved from
https://www.citewrite.qut.edu.au/write/critique.jsp

Rev. Pg. 8
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Module 2 APA Style

Learning module description/summary: In this module you will explore APA citation and style,
plagiarism, and the CUC library. Your main goals for this module are to become proficient in
APA citation, skilled in utilizing the CUC library to find academic sources, and complete your
plagiarism statement. Module Outcomes/Objectives:
• Demonstrate proficiency using the library to obtain academic sources.
• Demonstrate proficiency in APA citation.
• Identify and explain plagiarism.
• Develop and submit a plagiarism contract.
Required Readings/Resources:
• APA Manual – Chapters 6 & 7
• Princeton University. (2017, August 01). Examples of Plagiarism - Academic Integrity
at Princeton University. Retrieved from:
https://www.princeton.edu/pr/pub/integrity/pages/plagiarism/
• Georgetown University. (n.d.). 10. Examples of Plagiarism. Retrieved from
https://honorcouncil.georgetown.edu/system/what-is-plagiarism/x
• Council of Writing Program Administrators. (2003, January). Defining and Avoiding
Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices. Retrieved from
http://wpacouncil.org/positions/WPAplagiarism.pdf
• Turnitin. (n.d.). The Plagiarism Spectrum. Retrieved from
https://www.turnitin.com/static/plagiarism-spectrum/
• Live Library Session – As scheduled by your instructor
• CUC Library Tutorials https://cuchicago.edu/academics/library/tutorials/

Discussions: Plagiarism Discussion

• By Day 5 post your plagiarism statement. Within your statement you should include
what plagiarism is and your commitment to not engage in plagiarism throughout your
academic career at CUC. Here is an example statement from the University of
Wisconsin: https://writing.wisc.edu/wac/designing-activities-and-assignments-to-
discourage-plagiarism/.
• By Day 7 respond to two peers. All you need to do within your responses is
acknowledge your peer’s statement of intent.

Please note: After submission of this statement, if you submit work that is found to have
plagiarized content you will receive an automatic zero on the assignment. This will be
enforced program wide at the discretion of the instructor.

• Robison, A. J., & Smith, B. K. (n.d.). Designing Activities and Assignments to

Discourage Plagiarism. Retrieved from https://writing.wisc.edu/wac/designingactivities-
and-assignments-to-discourage-plagiarism/

Rev. Pg. 9
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Module 2 Discussion:
By Day 4 complete the following discussion activity:
• Please locate and provide APA citations for the following: two academic journal articles,
one video, one podcast, and one lecture.
• Please provide examples of each source as an in-text citation.
• By Day 7 please respond to two peers.
Please note that your responses must be emailed to your instructor, not posted
within the discussion board. Failure to follow the aforementioned instructions will
result in a zero on the response portion of the assignment. In your responses this week
your goal is to identify errors in your peers’ citations. There will be at least five errors
presented in various threads this week (students will be selected at random to include
errors in their posts). You must evaluate your peers’ work and identify any errors
present. If there are no errors present all you need to do is submit that there are no errors
within your peer’s work. However, if you submit a no error response and there are
errors located within your peer’s work you will receive zero points for that response.

Assignments:
Module 2 Assignment
Due Day 7.

***Please note: It is expected that you will incorporate the feedback provided by your
instructor (Module 1 Assignment) within your submission for this week.

For this assignment you must complete an article critique. Please use page 48 of the Research
Methods text and https://www.citewrite.qut.edu.au/write/critique.jsp as a guide. The article
should pertain to your research problem and be attached to your submission. Your submission
should not exceed three pages, utilize APA format, and include the CUC cover page.

• Queensland University of Technology. (n.d.). Writing a Critique. Retrieved from

https://www.citewrite.qut.edu.au/write/critique.jsp

Rev. Pg. 10
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Methods

Module 3 Statistics

Learning module description/summary:

In this module you will investigate statistics used in exercise science. You will explore the
fundamental purpose of statistics, statistical analysis techniques, and how statistics can be used.

Module Outcomes/Objectives:
• Identify and explain the major types of statistical analysis used in exercise science
research.
• Interpret common means of statistical analysis.
• Demonstrate proficiency is utilizing statistics to establish support within academic
writing.

Required Readings/Resources:
• Research Methods – Chapters 6-11.
o Chapters 6, 7, & 11 are required in full. Chapters 8-10 should be used as
reference material to aid in understanding statistics techniques.
o Please note: It is not our expectation that you memorize the contents of these
chapters. Instead these chapters should be used as a reference to help you
understand the statistics used in exercise science. Each student will need to refer
to the chapters on a different level. If you are new to statistics it is in your best
interest to refer to all chapters to gain a fundamental understanding of statistics
and their uses; whereas, if you have already taken a graduate level statistics
course you will only need to review a few areas. It is not our expectation that
you master all the content within these chapters within two weeks. However,
you should be able to explain and interpret mean/median/mode, standard
deviation, z-scores, t-tests, r2, ANOVA, Chi-squared, and discuss the underlying
value and use of statistics.
• Video Guides
o Khan Academy. (2009, January 19). Statistics: Sample vs. Population Mean.
Retrieved from https://youtu.be/hsPCte_PcVA
o Khan Academy. (2009, January 25). Statistics: Standard Deviation | Descriptive
Statistics | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/HvDqbzu0i0E
o Khan Academy. (2009, February 15). Probability Density Functions |
Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/Fvi9A_tEmXQ
o Khan Academy. (2010, January 26). Sampling Distribution of the Sample Mean |
Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/FXZ2O1Lv-KE
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 02). One-tailed and Two-tailed Tests |

Rev. Pg. 11
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Inferential statistics | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from

https://youtu.be/mvye6X_0upA
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 02). Z-statistics vs. T-statistics | Inferential
statistics | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/5ABpqVSx33I
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 02). Type 1 Errors | Inferential Statistics |
Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/EowIec7Y8HM
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 05). R-squared or Coefficient of
Determination | Regression | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy.
Retrieved from https://youtu.be/lng4ZgConCM
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 10). Pearson's Chi Square Test (Goodness of
Fit) | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/2QeDRsxSF9M
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 12). ANOVA 1: Calculating SST (Total Sum of
Squares) | Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/EFdlFoHI_0 I
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 12). ANOVA 2: Calculating SSW and SSB (Total
Sum of Squares Within and Between) | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/j9ZPMlVHJVs
o Khan Academy. (2010, November 12). ANOVA 3: Hypothesis Test with Fstatistic |
Probability and Statistics | Khan Academy. Retrieved from
https://youtu.be/Xg8_iSkJpAE

Discussions:
Discussion 3A
By Day 4 explain the following:
• The importance of statistical analysis within exercise science.
• How statistics can be used to interpret data and why this is important for the field of
exercise science.
• How statistics can be misused within the field of exercise science.
• Please refer to the following prior to starting the assignment. Thiese, M. S., Arnold, Z. C.,
& Walker, S. D. (2015). The misuse and abuse of statistics in biomedical research.
Biochemia Medica, 25(1), 5–11. http://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2015.001
• By Day 7 please respond to two peers.

Discussion 3B
By Day 10 please complete the following:
• Identify a popular media article that references statistics from a research paper. Share the
popular media article and research paper with the class.

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 12 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

• Explain how the media article uses the statistics from the research paper. How does this
compare with what the research paper presents?
• Please see the attached documents for an example.
• By Day 14 please respond to two peers.

Assignments: Module 3A
Assignment Due Day 7.
Please discuss five means of statistical analysis used within the field of exercise science.
Minimum discussion points:
• How the analysis is used
• What types of data the analysis is suited for
• What the analysis/ results of the analysis represent
• How the analysis is calculated
• Ideal scores for the calculation portion of the analysis (not valid for all means of analysis)

Module 3B Assignment Due Day 14.

Please provide a modified annotated bibliography for three articles that you will be using in your
final project. Please note: Each article must have a valid form of statistical analysis.

What to include:
• Citation for the article
• Purpose of the article
• Breakdown of the statistics used within the article (this is where you should spend the bulk
of your effort). Be sure to include: type of analysis, strengths and weakness of the analysis,
if you believe the analysis matched the researchers’ goals and data set, and what can be
interpreted from the type of analysis used.
• Summary of the results
• Summary of the discussion

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 13 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Module 4 Research Synthesis

Learning module description/summary:

In this module you will investigate writing style and content. You will utilize the APA manual to
create a foundation for future writing practices and develop skills in synthesizing research.

Module Outcomes/Objectives:
• Demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing and research synthesis.
• Demonstrate proficiency is writing annotated bibliographies.
• Demonstrate proficiency is providing peer (writing) feedback.

Required Readings/Resources:
• APA Manual – Chapters 1-5 o Week 5 = Chapters 1 & 2 o Week 6 = Chapters 3 & 4
o Week 7 = Chapter 5
o Please note the APA Manual is an instructional manual that you will reference
throughout your graduate education. Becoming familiar with APA style and writing
mechanics is essential to your success within the program.
• Tips for writing a research paper in APA format
• https://www.grammarly.com/grammar-check If you so desire.

Discussions:
Module 4A Discussion:
By Day 4 please complete and post the following objectives:
• Cite and attach three articles that you are using to answer your research problem.
• An analytical annotated bibliography for each article. To help get started please reference
https://sites.umuc.edu/library/libhow/bibliography_apa.cfm. Please refer to your APA
manual for formatting guidelines.
• A summary of how you will use each article to “answer” your research problem. By Day 7
please respond to two peers. Guiding questions:
• Is the evidence presented by your peers’ applicable to their research problems?
• What did you find interesting about the articles presented by your peers? What further
thoughts did these articles prompt?
• Have you read any articles that may be of help to your peer? If so, please summarize the
article and provide a link for your peer.

• University of Maryland University College. (n.d.). How to Write an Annotated Bibliography

- APA Style. Retrieved from
https://sites.umuc.edu/library/libhow/bibliography_apa.cfm

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 14 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Module 4B Discussion:
By Day 9 post your Module 4A Assignment submission to the discussion board.
By Day 14 please evaluate and provide feedback on two different peer’s submissions.
• Evaluate based on the information presented in Chapters 3 & 4 of the APA manual.
• Please note: It is expected that you will provide critical feedback to your peer as well. Here
is an example https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=9633833 of paper
review. Here is another resource to aid with the review process
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf. Please note: This review mainly
focuses on content, you must also analyze APA style within the paper.

• Walden University Writing Center. (2015, March 16). Sample Reviews of Graduate Papers.
Retrieved from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=9633833
• Drew University. (n.d.). Synthesis Writing. Retrieved from
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf

Module 4C Discussion:
By Day 18 (Thursday, Week 7) please complete and post the following objectives:
• Cite and attach three articles that you are using to answer your research problem.
• An analytical annotated bibliography for each article. To help get started please reference
https://sites.umuc.edu/library/libhow/bibliography_apa.cfm. Please refer to your APA
manual for formatting guidelines.
• A summary of how you will use each article to “answer” your research problem. By Day
21 (Sunday, Week 7) please respond to two peers.

Guiding questions:
• Is the evidence presented by your peers’ applicable to their research problems?
• What did you find interesting about the articles presented by your peers? What further
thoughts did these articles prompt?
• Have you read any articles that may be of help to your peer? If so, please summarize the
article and provide a link for your peer.
• University of Maryland University College. (n.d.). How to Write an Annotated Bibliography
- APA Style. Retrieved from
https://sites.umuc.edu/library/libhow/bibliography_apa.cfm

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 15 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Module 4D Discussion:

• By Day 23 (Tuesday, Week 8) post your Module 4C Assignment submission to the

discussion board.
• By Day 28 (Sunday, Week 8) please evaluate and provide feedback on two different peer’s
submissions.
• Evaluate based on the information presented in Chapters 3 & 4 of the APA manual.

Please note: It is expected that you will provide critical feedback to your peer as well. Here is an
example https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=9633833 of
paper review. Here is another resource to aid with the review process
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf.

Please note: This review mainly focuses on content, you must also analyze APA style within the
paper.

• Walden University Writing Center. (2015, March 16). Sample Reviews of Graduate Papers.
Retrieved from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=9633833
• Drew University. (n.d.). Synthesis Writing. Retrieved from
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf

Assignments: Module 4A
Assignment Due Day 7.
For this assignment you must complete and submit a synthesis essay. A synthesis essay requires
you to use research to answer a thesis/problem statement. It is the fusion of sources (synthesis) to
address an issue that creates a synthesis essay. Please note: If you submit three mini article
reviews, you will fail this assignment. Here is a guide to help get you started
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf.

Guidelines to help you get started:

• Identify the thesis/ research problem that you want to address. This statement should be
narrow in scope and pertain to exercise science. Ideally, it pertains to your already
identified research problem.
• Identify and review applicable sources. You should plan on incorporating five journal
articles into your essay.
• Create an outline. This will help you plan the essay and help you determine how to
synthesize your sources. The two following resources will help you create an outline. o

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 16 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/outlining o
https://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Outline.html
• Write your rough draft.
• Review your rough draft (refer to questions in
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf). Make sure you pay attention to
APA format and style.
• Run your draft through the Safe Assign Pre Check (Assignments page on BB).
• Make any corrections as needed.
• Submit your final draft. Do not forget the CUC cover page.

• Roane State Community College. (n.d.). Creating Outlines. Retrieved from

https://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Outline.html
• Harvard. (2000). Outlining. Retrieved from
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/outlining
• Drew University. (n.d.). Synthesis Writing. Retrieved from
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf

Module 4C Assignment
Due Day 21 (Sunday, Week 7).

***This assignment should incorporate feedback from your instructor and peers. Failure to
do so will result in a failing grade.

For this assignment you must complete and submit a synthesis essay. A synthesis essay requires
you to use research to answer a thesis/problem statement. It is the fusion of sources (synthesis) to
address an issue that creates a synthesis essay. Please note: If you submit three mini article
reviews, you will fail this assignment. Here is a guide to help get you started
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf.
Guidelines to help you get started:
• Identify the thesis/ research problem that you want to address. This statement should be
narrow in scope and pertain to exercise science. Ideally, it pertains to your already
identified research problem.
• Identify and review applicable sources. You should plan on incorporating five journal
articles into your essay.
• Create an outline. This will help you plan the essay and help you determine how to
synthesize your sources. The two following resources will help you create an outline. o
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/outlining o
https://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Outline.html
• Write your rough draft.

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 17 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

• Review your rough draft (refer to questions in

https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf). Make sure you pay attention to
APA format and style.
• Run your draft through the Safe Assign Pre Check (Assignments page on BB).
• Make any corrections as needed.
• Submit your final draft. Do not forget the CUC cover page.

• Roane State Community College. (n.d.). Creating Outlines. Retrieved from

https://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Outline.html
• Harvard. (2000). Outlining. Retrieved from
https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/outlining
• Drew University. (n.d.). Synthesis Writing. Retrieved from
https://www.marist.edu/writingcenter/pdfs/synthesis.pdf

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 18 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Final Project – Literature Synthesis Project

Due Day 5 of Week 8

This project is an extension and culmination of all your efforts within the course. This assignment
is a fusion of literature review and synthesis essay. The easiest way to picture the outcome of this
assignment is to extrapolate the scope of the synthesis essay assignments.
Within this project you will “answer” the research problem you identified and refined in Module 1.
Luckily, you do not have to start from scratch as most of the activities within this course were
designed to help you accomplish this project. Therefore, refer to all the work you have produced
this term and use what you can (self-plagiarism will not be assessed in this project).

It is recommended that you create an outline prior to starting this assignment and utilize the Safe
Assign Pre Check in BB before submitting your final draft.

Guidelines for the Final Project:

1. Present Research Problem

a. History of problem – why is it relevant
b. How may solutions grant applications or impact the field of study – why your work
is useful
2. Synthesis of Research
a. Body of the project. This is where you attempt to “answer” your research problem.
– present your argument. If you present mini article reviews you will fail this
assignment.
b. At minimum, ten peer reviewed academic journal articles published within the last
ten years should be referenced within this section. No review articles or meta
analyses are allowed.
3. Conclusion
a. Resolution of research problem
b. Thoughts and direction moving forward.

http://www.writersua.com/articles/quickref/ http://idratherbewriting.com/quickreferenceguides/

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 19 of 24

Grading Rubric for Written Assignments
Qualities & Criteria
Content/Information
-All elements of the topics
are addressed,
demonstrating
comprehension of the
material at a graduate
level. The information is
technically sound and
based on careful research. -
50% weight
Quality of Writing -
Clarity of sentences and
paragraphs, cohesion of
information, no errors in
spelling or grammar, proper
use of English organization,
and follows
scientific writing
principles
-20% weight
References and use of
references
-Scholarly level of
references, minimum
number of peer-reviewed
resources, effective use of
references throughout
paper, APA format is
followed -20%
Format/Layout
-Presentation & Structure
of text follows assignment
requirements, APA
formatting (headings,
spacing, etc.), & use of
CU-C cover page
-10%
Rev. 6/01/2016
A/A-
The paper is objective and
addresses an in-depth
analysis of the proposed
topic. The provided
information is presented in
a cohesive manner, based
upon appropriate research
support.
The paper is well written
from start to finish,
without errors. Principles
of scientific writing are
followed. The research is
integrated sympathetically
to support analysis of
topic. The paper is well
organized with a coherent
flow of information.
Appropriate number of
references are used in
writing. The references
chosen are appropriate and
applicable to the topic.
Appropriate citations (in
APA format) are followed
throughout the paper.
Closely follows all
requirements related to
format & layout.
APA font, APA headings,
Cover Pages
AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science
B+/B
The paper is objective and
provides an overview of
the proposed topic. The
provided information may
be lacking cohesion and/or
may not be fully supported
by appropriate research.
The paper is relatively well
written, with few errors.
Principles of scientific
writing are lacking; and/or
the research is not
sympathetically integrated
to support analysis of the
topic. The paper is
relatively well organized.
Most of the references
used are not important
and/or are not of scholarly
quality.
The references are not
effectively used/cited.
The minimum number of
peer-reviewed sources are
not included.
Follows a majority of the
requirements. Some are
not followed.
Below Graduate Level
The paper lacks objective
criteria, and/or lacks an
appropriate analysis of the
proposed topic. There is a
lack of cohesion, and
content is not supported by
appropriate research.
The paper is poorly written
with several errors
throughout. Principles of
scientific writing are not
followed. The paper is not
organized well.
References used are not
important and/or are not of
scholarly quality. The
minimum number of
resources are not included.
References are missing/not
effectively used throughout
paper. APA formatting is
not followed.
Poorly follows the
requirements related to
format/layout.
p. 20 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 21 of 24

Grading Rubric for Recorded/Video Discussions/Assignments
ualities & Criteria A/A-
ontent/Information The information is
All elements of the topics objective and addresses an
e addressed, in-depth analysis of the
emonstrating proposed topic. The
omprehension of the provided information is
aterial at a graduate presented in a cohesive
vel. The information is manner, based upon
chnically sound and appropriate research
ased on careful research. support.
the assignment has a
The information is well
riting component, the written (if applicable) from
uality of writing (i.e.
start to finish, without
holarly writing) will be
errors. Principles of
ssessed here -45%
scientific writing are
eight
followed. The research is
integrated sympathetically
to support analysis of
topic.
The video is professional
uality of Video -Clarity
formation presented, allowing for a clear
ontent is delivered in an presentation of
ganized, clear, information. Information is
ofessional manner; discussed in a cohesive,
emonstration (if organized format. If
pplicable) is performed applicable, demonstrations
orrectly are properly performed.
20% weight
eer-Responses: -replies Required number of replies
other students and to students and instructor
structor are posted in a timely
20% fashion. Posts add to the
conversation to delve
deeper into the topic.
Rev. 6/01/2016
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science
B+/B
The information is
objective and provides an
overview of the proposed
topic. The provided
information may be
lacking cohesion and/or
may not be fully supported
by appropriate research.
The information is
relatively well written (if
applicable), with few
errors. Principles of
scientific writing are
lacking; and/or the
research is not
sympathetically integrated
to support analysis of the
topic.
The video is professional,
but lacks a clear and/or
cohesive presentation of
information. If applicable,
the demonstrations are
performed but may lack
proper mechanics.
The minimum number of
required posts are not
posted. And/Or posts are
not substantial in nature;
they do not add
significantly to the
conversation.
AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Below Graduate Level
The information lacks
objective criteria, and/or
lacks an appropriate
analysis of the proposed
topic. There is a lack of
cohesion, and content is
not supported by
appropriate research. The
information is poorly
written (if applicable).
The video is
unprofessional, lacks
cohesion, and (if
applicable) demonstrations
are not performed
properly.
Lacking appropriate peer
responses: either in
number, timeliness, or
content.
p. 22 of 24

Appropriate number of
erences and use of references are used in
rences
writing. The references
olarly level of
chosen are appropriate and
ences, minimum
applicable to the topic.
ber of peer-reviewed
Appropriate citations (in
urces, effective use of
APA format) are followed
ences throughout
throughout the paper.
r, APA format is
wed -15%
Qualities & Criteria
Development of ideas: -
All elements of the topics
are addressed,
demonstrating
comprehension of the
material at a graduate level.
The information is
technically sound
-25%
Demonstrates critical
thinking: -Appropriate use
of literature to support
writing, follows APA
-25%
Quality of Writing:
Clarity of sentences and
paragraphs, cohesion of
information, no errors in
spelling or grammar, proper
use of English organization,
and follows
scientific writing principles
-20%
Rev. 6/01/2016
AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science
Most of the references References used are not
used are not important important and/or are not of
and/or are not of scholarly scholarly quality. The
quality. minimum number of
The references are not resources are not included.
effectively used/cited. not References are missing/not
included. effectively used throughout
paper. APA formatting is
not followed.
Written Discussion Board Rubric
A/A- B+/B Below Graduate Level
The post is objective and The post is objective and The post lacks objective
addresses an in-depth provides an overview of the criteria, and/or lacks an
analysis of the proposed proposed topic. The focus appropriate analysis of the
topic. of the post strays from the proposed topic. The
The information is purpose of the discussion proposed topic is not the
technically sound & post. focus of the written
focuses on the purpose of discussion thread.
the discussion post.
The provided information The provided information There is a lack of
is presented in a cohesive may be lacking cohesion cohesion, and content is
manner, based upon and/or may not be fully not supported by
appropriate research supported by appropriate appropriate research.
research. The research may APA is not followed.
support. The research is
integrated sympathetically not be properly integrated
to support analysis of into the post.
topic. APA is followed
The post is well written The post is relatively well The post is poorly written
from start to finish, written, with few errors. with several errors
without errors. Principles Principles of scientific throughout. Principles of
of scientific writing are writing are lacking; and/or scientific writing are not
the research is not followed. The post is not
followed. The research is
integrated sympathetically sympathetically integrated organized well.
to support analysis of to support analysis of the
topic. The post is well topic. The post is relatively
organized with a coherent well organized.
flow of information.
p. 23 of 24
 AES-6050 Online Syllabus
Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science

Peer-Responses: -replies Required number of replies The minimum number of Lacking appropriate peer
to other students and to students and instructor required posts are not responses: either in
instructor are posted in a timely posted. And/Or posts are number, timeliness, or
-20% fashion. Posts add to the not substantial in nature; content.
conversation to delve they do not add
deeper into the topic. significantly to the
conversation.

Timeliness -10% Submitted on time Submitted Late (as marked

in Blackboard by the
“Late” tag)

Rev. 6/01/2016
p. 24 of 24