Research Models Used in Doctoral Theses on Sport Management in Turkey: A Content Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the methodological tendencies in the doctorate theses which were prepared in the field of Sports Management in Turkish between 2007 and 2016 and which were open to access in the database of the Council of Higher Education (CHE) National Theses Center. In this context, 111 doctorate theses prepared in the last decade were examined. The study was conducted with the Qualitative Research Method, which is frequently used in social sciences, and the Case Study Method was also made use of in the course of the study. The data obtained in the study were analyzed and interpreted with the Content Analysis Method. According to findings, it was determined that the study method was not mentioned in 92 of the 111 doctorate theses, which were included in the study; the study design was not mentioned in 36 of them; and the sampling method was not mentioned in 46 of them. It was also determined that the Questionnaire Method was used frequently in the doctorate theses that were examined in the context of the study; and the Data analysis methods that were used frequently were the Descriptive and Predictive Analysis Methods. As a result, it is possible to claim that the methodological structures of the doctorate theses are extremely missing and inadequate. In addition, it is clear that the methodological structures of the theses are weak and unclear, and cannot convey the methodological data to the reader in an accurate manner. Right at this point, it may be recommended to consider the doctorate thesis literature on Sports Management again, and certain and meticulous rules are set for future studies in terms of writing styles and methodological structures.