Guidance on customising this resource
How to link theory, research, and practice in assignments
In this resource: Referring to relevant theory enables the author to ‘make sense’ of
practice, by conceptualising the meaning of the practical activity. Similarly, grounding
practice or own research in a broader body of research / literature provides broader context
and invites comparison and interpretation.
This resource contains example(s) of linking theory, research and practice in
Sports Science-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the
slides for your course:
1. Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A)
2. Copy the extract into the example slides (slides 4&5)
3. Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective linking of theory, research,
policy, and practice
4. Provide the full version of the assignment  students identify further examples
(slide 6)
5. Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 6)
6. Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions
Email PAD team for further guidance pad@beds.ac.uk
1
Write to attract a
higher grade:
How to
demonstrate links
between theory,
research, and
practice
2
Discussion:
How do we link theory, policy and practice in
academic writing?
o What are the differences and similarities between theory, policy and
practice?
o Why would your lecturers want to see links between these in your
assignments?
o Think of instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most
suitable to demonstrate these links?
o How might you be able show evidence of linking these concepts in
assignments?
3
Example 1. How does the author demonstrate a link
between theory, research and practice in the
following extract?
Sports Injury Rehabilitation Case Study: An overview and rehabilitation
plan of a GH joint injury in a 24 year old female judo athlete – case study
Houglum (2010) summarized that the rehabilitation process of the labral tear
can last 3 up to 5 months. However, in case of the surgical repair, this can
take longer due to the possible need of immobilization and the greater risk
of damaging the surgical repair. Furthermore, there will be a greater loss of
proprioception within the shoulder, therefore proprioceptive exercises should be
emphasized (Houglum, 2010). The other factor which may affect the
progress of rehabilitation is a healing process. The therapist should have
a sound understanding about the physiology and the time frame of the
healing process, making sure that none of the rehabilitative approaches do not
interfere with it, causing slower recovery or even further damage (Prentice,
2004).
4
Example 2. How does the author demonstrate a link
between theory, research, and practice in the following
extract?
Nutritional Analysis of 18 Year Old Female Endurance Swimmer With a Special
Consideration of Health and Athletic Performance – Case Study
Client A's average daily fat intake is 97.3g, out of which 45.3g are saturated
fatty acids (Table 1). The averaged consumed saturated fatty acids provide
17% of Client's total weekly energy intake (Table 1). Katch, Katch & McArdle
(2006) summarise that an individual should not consume more than
10% of total energy intake as saturated fatty acids. In order to lower the
fat intake, Client should substitute breads with whole-grain homemade
breads, cookies and brownies with low-fat snacks and decrease the intake of
mayonnaise and cheedar cheese (Burke & Berning, 1996). By lowering the
saturated fatty acids intake from 17% to 10%, the Client's total fat intake
would fit in to the recommendations ranges, which (together with a high
fibre intake) would promote health and could help in preventing CHD.
5
Task 1:
Can you identify any other examples of linking
theory, research, and practice in the text provided?
Justify your answer.
Task 2:
Identify evidence of linking theory, research, and
practice in your own and / or your peers’ writing.
Alternatively, establish where you could
demonstrate links between theory, research and
practice in your writing.
6