Thesis on "Everyday Statistics in Sports"

Thesis 4 pages (1160 words) Sources: 3 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Statistics in Sports

"Statistics never lie"

Sports enthusiasts (as cited in Camillo, 2008, ¶1).

Statistical Studies of Sports

Each day, a number of Americans, seemingly mesmerized with sports data collections, read newspaper accounts relating raw and summary data about a variety of sports., Donald Guthrie explains in "Introduction to the miscellaneous sports articles" that: "Statistical studies of sports seem to fall into three categories" (Guthrie as cited in Albert, Bennett, & Cochran, 2005, p. 267). These categories include:

Analysis of rules and strategies;

Analysis of extent participation. (Guthrie as cited in Albert, Bennett, & Cochran, 2005, p. 267)

In the book Anthology of statistics in sports, Jim Albert, professor of mathematics and statistics at Bowling Green State University, Jay Bennett, Principal Scientist with Telcordia Technologies; active in the ASA Section of Statistics in Sports, and James J. Cochran (2005), Assistant Professor Department of Marketing and Analysis at Louisiana State University, investigate the use of statistics to analyze sports. The authors stress that researchers who collect and interpret data do not always limit their studies to only include the major sports such as baseball, basketball, football (soccer to Americans), and hockey. Some have even studied statistics for the game of darts, for instance. During this paper, the researcher examines three studies relating to everyday statistics in sports; noting the method of each study and identifying the independent variables and the dependent variables for the study. The researcher also reflects on the quality of the research processes each study utilized and proffers suggestions for research improvements. For the current paper, the researcher focuses on statistics relating to rugby (one study) and basketball (two studies)

Study I

In the study, "Differences in game statistics between winning and losing rugby teams in the six nations tournament," Enrique Orgega, Diego Villarego, and Jose M. Palao (2009) report results of the study they conducted using observational methods. During the study, Orgega, Villarego and Palao used "univariate (t-test) and multivariate (discriminant) analysis of data… [to analyze] the differences in rugby game statistics between winning and losing teams…[; to evaluate] the data from 58 games of round robin play from the Six Nations tournament from the 2003-2006 seasons…" (Abstract Section). The groups of variables included the and number of points the teams scored, how the teams scored the points, the way the teams acquired the ball, and how the teams implemented tactical and technical aspects of the game. Statistical analysis for Study I included:

First, a descriptive analysis of the data was done. Second, a Mann-Whitney U (non-parametric) was carried out with the goal of analyzing the differences between winning and losing teams. Finally, a discriminant analysis… was done to find those statistical variables that best differentiate winning and losing teams. Structural Coefficients (SC) greater than or equal to |.30| & #8230; were considered relevant for the interpretation of the linear vectors. All of the statistical analyses were done with a level of significance of p < 0.05. (Orgega, Villarego & Palao, 2009, Statistical analysis Section, ¶1)

The quality of research in Study I, the writer asserts, appears effective as a study's goal reportedly best determines the type of statistical analysis the researcher uses in a study. The type of statistical analysis Orgega, Villarego and Palao (2009) utilized replicated the studies they reviewed. The researcher for an ensuing similar study may benefit from considering particular external factors in determining "values that can be used as normative data to design and evaluate practices and competitions for rugby… READ MORE

How to Reference "Everyday Statistics in Sports" Thesis in a Bibliography

Related Thesis Papers:

Evolution of Extreme Sports Research Paper

Evolution of Extreme Sports

Extreme sports have been around for hundreds of years, though the definition of such activities has changed as people's ideas, goals, and the technology surrounding sports… read more

Research Paper 5 pages (1674 words) Sources: 3 Topic: Sports / Exercise / Fitness

---

NCAA Division I College Male Football Term Paper

NCAA Division I College Male Football and Basketball Players Receiving Financial Compensation for Playing in Games

Much controversy and disagreement surrounds pay for play for football and basketball players in… read more

Term Paper 11 pages (2999 words) Sources: 1+ Style: APA Topic: Sports / Exercise / Fitness

---

Personal Statement for Grad School Admission Essay

Personal Statement

As concern about the nation's childhood obesity epidemic rises, there is a new demand for good coaches who can inspire children to enjoy physical activities. I believe that… read more

Admission Essay 2 pages (657 words) Sources: 0 Topic: Sports / Exercise / Fitness

---

Fibromyalgia More Than 50% of Patients Diagnosed Term Paper

Fibromyalgia

More than 50% of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) suffer from major depression. In light of this significant statistic, this Evidence-based Practice (EBP) study explores the problem of depression… read more

Term Paper 19 pages (5095 words) Sources: 4 Style: APA Topic: Sports / Exercise / Fitness

---

Impact of Gangs on Females Research Paper

Detrimental Effects of Female Gang Membership

In sociological terms, gangs usually refers to groups of juveniles. Gangs are seen as a form of establishing social order that offers an alternative… read more

Research Paper 8 pages (2692 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Women / Feminism

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>