Recommendations for Conducting Research on Athletes (Large-Scale Survey Case Studies)

  • Deborah A. Kerr
  • Patria A. Hume
  • Timothy R. Ackland
Chapter
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Abstract

Large-scale surveys of world-class athletes have been conducted at Olympic Games and World Championship events for over 60 years. These projects have provided valuable data for identifying the unique physique characteristics for sports and events. There are many challenges in undertaking these studies, and strong scientific rigour should always underpin such projects. Large-scale surveys of athletes should be conducted to address specific questions, rather than being an opportunistic data collection exercise. Considerable planning needs to go into a large-scale survey to ensure its success, including obtaining all the necessary approvals and support to conduct the project. This chapter outlines the practical steps in the process, including what should be in the research proposal, how to conduct large-scale surveys and how to report the results of the information gained.

Keywords

Large-scale surveys Olympic Games World Championship Physique Scientific rigour Questions Planning Practical steps Research Reporting Feasibility Equipment Venue Recruitment Promotion Media Budget Funding Data checking Publishing 
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Copyright information

© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  • Deborah A. Kerr
    • 1
  • Patria A. Hume
    • 2
  • Timothy R. Ackland
    • 3
  1. 1.School of Public HealthCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
  2. 2.Sport Performance Research Institute New ZealandAuckland University of TechnologyAucklandNew Zealand
  3. 3.School of Sport Science, Exercise and HealthThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyAustralia

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