Research Designs in Sports and Health Science

Authors : Dr Mwebaze Nicholas, Diriisa Mugampoza, Annet Nankwanga, Loyce Nahwera, Ricky Richard Ojara, Linika Lumbuye, Mark Kamwebaze

Pages : 168-178

Doi:10.46463/ijrss.1712571

View : 139 | Download : 664

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Research design is the heart of a good study in health and sport science, defining how data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted to advance knowledge and practice. This systematic narrative review addresses both quantitative and qualitative research designs commonly employed in these disciplines, describing their methodology characteristics, applications, and drawbacks. Quantitative designs covered are descriptive, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, longitudinal, cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and survey research. Recent examples of sports and health research illustrate how these designs allow causality, prevalence, risk factor, and intervention effectiveness. The review also analyses qualitative designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, case studies, and narrative research based on how they help to explore lived experiences, social context, and meaning making processes that are pivotal to the understanding of athlete behavior and health outcomes. Furthermore, the review mentions major gaps through the incorporation of mixed methods research that integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide richer analyses. Among some of the emerging new innovative designs like ecological momentary assessment, adaptive trials, and technology-enabled data collection are explained in terms of how they can achieve maximal ecological validity and accuracy. The intersection of data science and digital technologies, such as machine learning and wearable sensors, is seen to be transforming research possibilities, demanding adaptive methodological designs. Research design choice issues in research settings, especially in low-resource settings like in Uganda, are also considered to be culturally acceptable and viable. Ethical issues in sport and health studies, such as participant consent and confidentiality, are also considered. The review concludes with a guide for researchers and practitioners to choose a suitable designs based on their research questions, accessible resources, and norms of ethics. By incorporating current trends and existing frameworks, the paper is a handy reference to construct methodologically rigorous and efficient research in sports and health science.
Keywords : Araştırma desenleri, Sağlık bilimi, Nicel yöntemler, Nitel yöntemler

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL