Research Methods in Physical Activity, 2d ed.

Thomas JR, Nelson JK. Champaign, IL 61825-5076, Human Kinetics Publishers Inc, 1990, hardback, 568 pp, illus, $37.

The authors of this book have each had more than 20 years of experience in research and in teaching research methods. The second edition of this text has a broader focus than the first edition. The authors anticipated that the first edition was mainly for master's degree students for use in a preliminary graduate course in research methods in the allied areas of health, physical education, recreation, and dance. The authors indicate that the contents of this edition should "apply conceptually to any aspect of the study of physical activity, whether in the context of exercise, sports, physical education instruction, industry, and so on."

The book is presented in five parts. The first part provides an overview of the research process that students and beginning researchers should find interesting. In addition to discussing the methods of science and the research process, the authors describe the details of developing a thesis or a dissertation. In the second part, the authors present the statistical concepts that are used in research. One chapter that is particularly valuable for physical therapists is the one in which multivariate procedures are considered. These procedures are becoming more prevalent in much of the literature that is pertinent to physical therapists. The third part describes the various types of research. In addition to historical, philosophical, descriptive, and experimental research, the authors address two types of research that are currently being used more often by physical therapists. These are meta-analysis and qualitative research. There is a tutorial example of metaanalysis that is both interesting and helpful for the reader trying to understand the concepts. Part 4 deals with measurement. These chapters cover validity and reliability, measuring movement, and measuring written responses. This last chapter includes measuring affective behavior. It should be valuable for academic and clinical faculty as it is an area that seems to readily evade assessment. The final part describes the writing of a research report. There is a chapter on the process for presenting proposals for granting agencies and for internal grants. In a chapter in this part, which addresses ways of reporting research, there is information on journal writing, writing of abstracts, and oral and poster presentations. This is a valuable chapter for beginning researchers who have information they feel should be presented.

In the appendixes, there are programs for mainframe computers and microcomputers for the SPSSx. These have been prepared for the examples that are used in the text. This is valuable information because the reader can follow an actual problem throughout the program. It is a good learning method and a handy reference. The statistical packages, SAS, SPSS, and BIMED for mainframe computers, are described. Sample forms, to be used when conducting research involving human subjects, are also presented. These would be valuable for clinicians who are beginning a research program for their faciliW.

I believe that this is a well-written book. The concepts are clearly presented, and the information is current and relevant to the kinds of physical activities that are a part of the practice of physical therapy. I recommend this book as important reading for upper-division and graduate students in physical therapy, for physical therapy clinicians interested in research, for academic faculty who teach research methods, and for those engaged in research.

Harry G Knecht, EdD, PT

Orthosport Inc

Forest Park, 111