MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice

Course: EXS290

First Term: 2018 Spring

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Introduction to best practices in the acquisition, analysis, synthesis, and potential application of research in the discipline of exercise science. Specific emphasis on the application of research-based evidence for applied problem solving in exercise science.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Explain the research process in exercise and health sciences. (I, V) 2. Define research problems using population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO). (II) 3. Research a specific problem in exercise and health sciences. (III) 4. Explain basic statistical analyses in the exercise science literature. (IV, V) 5. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of research designs. (V) 6. Formulate an evidence-based solution to a given problem. (I, III, V, VI) 7. Articulate logical support for a solution to a research problem. (VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Problem Solving in Exercise and Health Science Research A. Scientific method B. Experimental background C. Evidence-based problems and solutions II. Definition of Research Problem A. PICO Strategy 1. Population 2. Intervention 3. Comparison 4. Outcome B. Controls and variables 1. Independent and dependent variables 2. Control and extraneous variables III. Information Acquisition A. Primary literature sources B. Peer-reviewed literature C. Review journal articles D. Meta-analysis journal articles E. Gaining access to relevant peer-reviewed primary literature sources F. Management of evidence gathered using technology IV. Statistical Concepts A. Measures of central tendency B. Statistical variability C. Alpha D. Significance E. Relationships between variables 1. Interpretation of tests for relationships among groups 2. Interpretation of tests for relationships between groups V. Evaluation of Research A. Evaluation of methodology 1. Establish cause and effect 2. Evaluate treatment strength 3. Internal validity 4. External validity 5. Reliability B. Evaluation of quality of evidence 1. Identification of consensus within research evidence 2. Identification and analysis of controversy within research evidence 3. Establish and analyze viable solutions to the research problem VI. Development of Evidence-Based Arguments A. Development of a thesis statement B. Outline development C. Analysis of evidence D. Annotated bibliography creation using PICO E. Written articulation of logical support for a solution to a research problem F. Use of current American Psychological Association (APA) format

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: November 28, 2017

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.