Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport: Critical Perspectives on Research Methods

"Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport "answers these questions and others, in a unique interdisciplinary study that calls on researchers working in sport, exercise and health to reflect critically on the nature and aims of scientific enquiry in these disciplines. The book addresses the underlying assumptions and development of both the very idea of science itself and what shape scientific enquiries ought to take in the fields of exercise, health and sport. Written by a range of prestigious and internationally respected philosophers, scientists and social scientists, each chapter addresses a key issue in research methodology. Questions raised by the authors include: - Do natural and social scientists need to understand philosophy of science? - Are statistics misused in sport and exercise science research? - Is sport science research gender-biased? - How do external and commercial interests skew professional guidelines in health and sport research? - Can scientists make claims without attempting to falsify as well as to confirm their theses? This unique text serves notice to sport and health researchers to think philosophically about their subject and its scientific bases. It is essential reading for postgraduate researchers seeking to establish a sound theoretical foundation for their work.