Community Junior Sport Coaching final report - 2009

Overview of Data Collection Techniques
The vast nature of the research made data collection in this study a complex issue. To ensure the
robustness of the research, rigorous uniform data collection techniques were needed. These
techniques included the training and employment of 16 research assistants. The training included,
depending on the area of employment, either training in uniform data collection procedures and the
implementation of specific testing instruments, and/or training in data entry and analysis.
Prior to the training observation the coach and or manager was contacted to confirm training times
and locations and to make the coach aware that a two person research team was going to observe
and record the session. On the day of the observation, the research team was trained too:
Arrive at the venue 15mins prior to each session.
Introduce themselves to the coach and conduct the pre-session semi structured interview.
Set up the video camera, wireless microphone and video the training session. The camera
focused on the coach at all times during the training session.
Observe the session using SOFIT.
At the conclusion of the training session conduct the modified Athlete Enjoyment Survey and the
post-session semi structured interview with the coach.
Complete the Coach Rating Scale
Method of Analysis
The data collected during this research project was analysed in three different ways depending on
the nature of the data gathered. The methods of analysis for the video coding, quantitative and
qualitative data collected are described below.
Video Coding
The DV-tapes of each training session were captured on computer and uploaded into a web based
computer system called EVA (Educational Video Annotation). Each time a specified behaviour was
observed the trained research assistant coded it by having selected ‘cue segment start’ at the
beginning of the behaviour and ‘cue segment finish’ when the behaviour changed to something else.
They then selected which behaviour had just been observed. This process was repeated for the
entire training session. Research assistants were able to rewind and replay the video if required. The
coding of the training session allowed each behaviour to be quantified. The frequency and duration
of each behaviour ‘episode’ was recorded in the system and then exported for further quantitative
analysis.
Quantitative Data
The quantitative data was coded to enable computerised entry. The data was then entered into a
spreadsheet file and subsequently transferred for storage and analysis in Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS). A series of one way Analysis of Variances (ANOVA’s) and Chi-Square tests and
correlations were performed on the data to determine if there were any significant differences
between, or relationships with specific data fields.
Qualitative Data
The process of analysing the data collected from the pre and post session interviews followed the
techniques of analysis recommended by Miles and Huberman (1994), and McCracken (1988). The
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