Welcome!

This toolkit provides information and resources on various topics related to planning, conducting and disseminating research in physical activity and health.

Who should use the toolkit and why?

• early career researchers and graduate students as a professional and personal resource
• faculty as part of instruction, advising and graduate seminars
• others interested in physical activity and health research

As an on ongoing project, we plan to develop new resources over time. We welcome feedback and suggestions via a brief online survey.

Developing a Research Plan 

Demystifies the research planning process by guiding you through it step-by-step. This module features an e-lecture, expert commentary with Catherine Ennis, a professor of Kinesiology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an interactive worksheet that allows you to build and download your own research agenda.

Choosing an Appropriate Quantitative Research Design

Offers a humorous and down-to-earth approach to selecting the best quantitative design for kinesiology and physical activity research, authored by Jerry Thomas, professor and dean of the College of Education at the University of North Texas.

E-Guide to Qualitative Research Methods

Delivers a quick read, yet robust e-book for determining how a qualitative research design may strengthen your research methodology and interpretation, developed by Laura Azzarito of Teacher's College-Columbia University. Featuring interdisciplinary research design examples and reference links for further reading, this e book is a must-have for researchers considering interdisciplinary or mixed methods design approaches.

Responsible Conduct in Research

Explains the differences between responsible conduct of research and research misconduct and provides practical advice on how to deal with misconduct if it occurs. This module features an e-lecture and interactive case study (the Prolific Professor Jones) exploring misconduct in the university setting, and is authored by Angela Lumpkin of the University of Kansas and Sharon Kay Stoll of the University of Idaho.

Developing a Publishable Research Manuscript

Presents expert advice on developing a manuscript from the perspective a publication's reviewers. This module is based on Maureen Weiss' RQES editorial series. This tutorial also features an e-lecture and self-assessment activities developed with Melinda Solmon of Louisiana State University, focusing on instrumentation validity issues, statistical analysis and research study design.

Writing and Reviewing Abstracts for Presentation

Identifies the key components of a successful abstract via a self-paced tutorial, using one of the Research Consortium's 2012 highest rated abstracts. This tutorial, developed with Hans van der Mars at Arizona State University, also provides tips on what to avoid in submission and how to provide peer-review for abstracts submitted for presentation.

Preparing an Effective Research Presentation

Offers evergreen advice on delivering a high quality oral and poster presentation developed with Susan Hall of the University of Delaware. This tutorial features presentation examples and downloadable checklists and tips on slide/poster design and public speaking.