CQUniversity Noosa Multimedia lecturer Malcolm Burt is twisting and turning his way into his Masters research project examining why rollercoasters exist.

Mr Burt is examining the question on a sociological, psychological and evolutionary level and will produce a video documentary as part of his degree with the Queensland University of Technology.

CQUni Noosa lecturer Malcolm Burt is ready to 'rollercoast' into his research. He's pictured (front right) getting a head start on his project

Outside his academic career, Mr Burt is a documentary producer behind two short broadcast television series - One Small Room and Frocks Off - shown on ABC TV and SBS TV in Australia.

"Rollercoasters are pretty weird when you think about it - they exist in theme parks which are generally located a long way from major cities, it's quite expensive to get into the big parks and it's not uncommon to wait for two to three hours...for a 60 second ride to nowhere," Mr Burt says.

"Considering the fact the Disney is so confident of the draw of these rides, so sure they will guarantee ongoing financial returns that they have spent over $300 million dollars on just two rollercoasters in the last eight years.

"I am travelling on a QUT grant to the US, Asia and Europe in 2013 to meet with theme park staff, rollercoaster designers and crazed coaster enthusiasts, and to film at a great many theme parks (with monstrous new rollercoasters) - all to find out why these enduring icons of popular culture exist."

Video extra below: 'Kingda Ka launches from 0-206km/hr in just over 3 seconds and rises to a height of 456 feet. Why do rides like this get built?'

Multimedia lecturer Malcolm Burt is pictured checking out a rollercoaster as part of his research journey