KINES 491WResearch Proposal

3 credits · Kinesiology · Penn State

This course prepares students to propose a research project in the field of Kinesiology. Students will choose to work within a sub-discipline of Kinesiology and be mentored by the course instructor with expertise in that area. Students will review and critically analyze scholarly literature to identify a critical gap in knowledge in their topic area. Students will then develop a research question supported by a rationale and develop a plausible research approach to address the existing gap in knowledge. Students will write a research proposal that includes specific aims, introduction, hypothesis, methods, significance and innovation, and potential pitfalls and alternative approaches sections. Formal peer review sessions will be conducted throughout the semester to have students critically evaluate other research proposals. Students will need to demonstrate good command of writing skills including composition, grammar, and spelling, and demonstrate responsibility, dependability, and maturity by meeting writing deadlines, and the criteria for acceptable papers. Students will also complete an Institutional Review Boards application for their proposed research project. The course will culminate in a final written proposal and presentation.