Content Analysis of Physical Education Dissertations and Theses in Payam Noor University Based on Research Methodology

The aim of this study was content analysis of master dissertations and doctoral theses in the field of physical education in Payam Noor University (PNU) based on research methodology. The statistical population consisted of all dissertations and theses in the field of physical education in PNU from the beginning till the end of the summer of 2013 and all were selected as the statistical sample of the study (N=341). A coding sheet with an appropriate coefficient of agreement between coders (P-Scott 0.92) was used. The results showed that the majority of the research methods were descriptive (%76.2) based on strategy, survey (%44.3) based on performing and application (%100) based on goals. Also, simple random (30.5%) and the total number (%18.2) sampling method were used more than other methods. Questionnaires (%59.2) and tests (%31.7) were most used in physical education dissertations and theses in PNU. Status of these instruments was firstly standard (%63.3) and secondly researcher-made (%32.3). Face validity (19.4%) was used more than other validity types. In order to determinate reliability, Cronbach's alpha was used more. In addition, the Likert scale was used more than other measuring scales.