Kinesics and proxemics communication of expert and novice PE teachers

The aim of the study is to analyse the sequential paraverbal communication used while teaching by expert and novice PE teachers. Four expert and four novice teachers were observed using a coding scheme of paraverbal behavior. The detection of temporal patterns using Theme v.5 enabled sequential analyses of paraverbal behaviour. The results indicate that compared to expert teachers, novice teachers used a greater number of gestures and did not always make effective use of the teaching space. Their gestures were also less qualitative in nature as they did not take full advantage of the communicative possibilities offered by some of the gestures analyse

Observational Analysis of the Organization of On-Task Behavior in the Classroom Using Complementary Data Analyses

The aim of this study was to analyze the organization of on-task behavior in the classroom. Four observational methodology techniques T-pattern detection, lag sequential analysis, trend analysis, and polar coordinate analysis were used to study the organization of on-task and off-task behavioral patterns during class time in a primary school setting. The specific objective was to detect and explore relationships between on-task behavior and different social interaction categories in relation to the actual distribution of activities in a real-life classroom setting. The study was conducted using the behavioral observation system for social interaction SOC-IS and the software programs Theme (version 6, Edu), SDIS-GSEQ (version 4.1.2), HOISAN (version 1.6), and STATGRAPHICS (version 6). We describe the results obtained for the four techniques and discuss the methodological implications of combining complementary techniques in a single study

Detection and selection of behavioral patterns using Theme: a concrete example in grassroots soccer

Observational methodology provides a rigorous yet flexible framework for capturing behaviors over time to allow for the performance of subsequent diachronic analyses of the data captured. Theme is a specialized software program that detects hidden temporal behavioral patterns (T-patterns) within data sets. It is increasingly being used to analyze performance in soccer and other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to select and interpret T-patterns generated by the application of three "quantitative" sort options in Theme and three "qualitative" filters established by the researchers. These will be used to investigate whether 7-a-side (F7) or 8-a-side (F8) soccer is best suited to the learning and skills development needs of 7- and 8-year-old male soccer players. The information contained in the T-patterns generated allowed us to characterize patterns of play in children in this age group. For both formats, we detected technical-tactical behaviors showing that children of this age have difficulty with first-touch actions and controlling the ball after a throw-in. We also found that ball control followed by a pass or a shot at the goal are common in the central corridor of the pitch. Further, depth of play is achieved by ball control, followed by dribbling and a pass or shot. In F8, we saw that depth of play was achieved through ball control, followed by dribbling and passing of one or more opponents leading to a pass or shot. However, in F7, we saw that players succeeded in advancing from their goal area to the rival goal area through a sequence of actions

T-patterns analysis in soccer games: Relationship between time and attack actions

Sports performance consists of a multiple series of strategies that tend to follow one another. Performance analysis in team sports is usually focused on primary (fundamental skill execution), secondary (scoring) and tertiary (match result) outcomes. While there is general agreement over measuring secondary and tertiary outcomes, literature does not show a unanimous agreement over a unique measure of the primary level of performance. 'e aim of this study was to investigate primary performance outcomes through an analysis of temporal patterns. In particular, we were interested in verifying if changes in tertiary performance outcomes may be related to changes in primary ones. We selected three soccer matches played by a top club during the Serie A league over the 2012-2013 season in which there was a change in match result between *rst and second half (tertiary level of performance). 'e methodological approach was based on observational design, supported by digital recordings and computer analysis. Data were analyzed with 'eme 6 beta software, which detects the temporal and sequential structure of datasets, revealing repeated patterns that may regularly or irregularly occur within a period of observation (Tpatterns). Striking di+erences were found comparing *rst and second half temporal patterns, especially when the *nal match outcome showed an improvement of the *rst half 's one. Our results suggest that 'eme software and T-pattern enhance research opportunities by identifying a useful tool to study the link between primary and tertiary level of performance, making this an e+ective research and support instrument for sports analysis

Editorial : Best Practice Approaches for Mixed Methods Research in Psychological Science

Altres ajuts: New approach of research in physical activity and sport from mixed methods perspective (NARPAS_MM) [SPGC201800X098742CV0]

How Game Location Affects Soccer Performance: T-Pattern Analysis of Attack Actions in Home and Away Matches

The influence of game location on performance has been widely examined in sport contexts. Concerning soccer, game-location affects positively the secondary and tertiary level of performance; however, there are fewer evidences about its effect on game structure (primary level of performance). This study aimed to detect the effect of game location on a primary level of performance in soccer. In particular, the objective was to reveal the hidden structures underlying the attack actions, in both home and away matches played by a top club (Serie A 2012/2013 - First League). The methodological approach was based on observational design, supported by digital recordings and T-pattern analysis. Data were analyzed with Theme 6.0 software. A quantitative analysis, with nonparametric and descriptive statistics, was carried out to test the hypotheses. A qualitative analysis on complex patterns was performed to get in-depth information on the game structure. This study showed that game tactics were significantly different, with home matches characterized by a more structured and varied game than away matches. Theme software, and the corresponding T-pattern detection algorithm, enhance research opportunities by going further than frequency-based analyses, making this method an effective tool in supporting sport performance analysis and training

Editorial: Best Practice Approaches for Mixed Methods Research in Psychological Science

The aim of this Research Topic is to present a selection of studies whose methodological approaches include, as a central element, aspects related to the Gordian knot of mixed methods, that also incorporate secondary -but no less important- elements such as dataset transformation, analytical techniques and data integration, as well as studies in which systematic observation is used as a mixed method in itself. The Research Topic has promoted a transparent presentation of the mixed approach used to develop the conceptual, methodological or application-related contribution of each article. This transparency will enable other researchers to critically appraise and replicate the methods used. The 32 articles that make up the Research Topic Best Practice Approaches for Mixed Methods Research in Psychological Science, with contribution from 121 authors, are organized from a substantive point of view in different criteria, although each of the published articles could have been 'classified' from several points of view. It is important to highlight the contributions made in the articles published in this Research Topic from the methodological criteria, given the conceptual amplitude of the mixed methods topic and its repercussions in applied studies

Editorial: Systematic Observation: Engaging Researchers in the Study of Daily Life as It Is Lived

The Research Topic Systematic observation: Engaging researchers in the study of daily life as it is lived (Section Quantitative Psychology and Measurement) faithfully reflects the interest of many researchers to conduct studies based on a methodology that is essentially characterized by being highly flexible and rigorous, and that aims to capture reality as it happens when studying it scientifically. The analysis of a part of reality is complex, given the multifaceted nature of any aspect of daily life. This complexity is manifested in numerous aspects to be considered, from the initial filtering that must be done to conveniently delimit the part of reality to be studied, to the structuring of the ideal observational design, the construction of a customized instrument that allows to properly channel all the behaviors/elements to be observed around the axes or dimensions around which the studied reality pivots, the materialization of a suitably coded record, the management of the records, data quality control, its subsequent analysis, and the interpretation of the results. This process is none other than the scientific method, although adapted to the reality of natural situations, in which it is not possible or convenient to apply the control that other methodologies offer, given that the spontaneity of behavior and the habituality of the context are of primary concern. In a schematic way, we could say that in the systematic observation the face and cross of a same coin are focused: "Face" because its proven versatility and adaptability make it extremely interesting and demanded in innumerable situations, and "cross" because the rigor of the own scientific method gives it a very estimable value that prestige such studies, as shown in the scientific community. The fact that Frontiers in Psychology, a prestigious scientific journal of high visibility around the world, had accepted the proposal of this Research Topic, gives more body and arguments in favor of systematic observation to the scientific community. The 23 articles that make up the Research Topic Systematic observation: Engaging researchers in the study of daily life as it is lived are organized from a substantive point of view in different criteria, although each of the published articles could have been "classified" from several points of view