Unit 5: Research Project in Sport and
Exercise Sciences
Unit code: T/600/0042
QCF Level 3: BTEC National
Credit value: 10
Guided learning hours: 60
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is for the learner to produce a sport or exercise science-based research project applying
accepted academic conventions for project design.
Unit introduction
Consider the following questions: Why do people take part in sport? Why do some people not take part in
exercise? How does a talented athlete become an elite athlete?
These are just some of the questions that have been asked and answered through sport or exercise sciencebased
research. The sport and exercise scientist can apply research techniques to systematically solve
problems through the development of research hypotheses.
The research work of sport and exercise scientists involves planning, data collection, data analysis,
communicating research findings with others and using key aspects of reflective practice to evaluate the
research undertaken.
This unit gives learners the opportunity to complete a project that can be seen as the culmination of their
programme of study. It allows them to investigate an area of their choosing from within the sport and exercise
sciences. This unit should be taken after significant prior study on the programme in order to allow learners to
make an informed decision regarding their choice of project.
The unit follows a simple ‘plan, do, review’ format, with the focus on the development of a range of
skills within the research process. Learners should be encouraged to use relevant information computer
technology, and to identify and use a range of resources, in order to carry out their practical investigation
effectively. Learners will effectively collect data, ensuring due regard for ethical and legal considerations,
analyse data, and produce a research report that follows accepted guidelines.
In order to successfully complete this unit, learners will need to draw on knowledge, understanding and skills
gained through this and other units, and transfer these to a practically-based research situation.