7 - The role of technology in sport Flashcards
Define research
A systematic process of investigation and study carried out with the aim of advancing knowledge.
Define sports analytics
The analysis of sports data using analytical tools and methods for data to be subjected to analytical procedures in order to try to improve results.
What is quantitative data?
Data which can be written down or measured precisely and numerically.
What is qualitative data?
Data which is descriptive and looks at the way people think or feel; it is sometimes less precise and potentially less meaningful than quantitative data. It can also be very time consuming to collect and analyse such data.
What are examples of gathering quantitative data in sport in order to try to prove a hypothesis being tested?
In sports psychology, the potential positive link between motivational self-talk and its relationship to improving self-paced skills (e.g. a golf putt).
In exercise psychology, research of quantitative nature (e.g. on a numerical scale) could compare the relative effect of different environments on exercisers’ moods (e.g. cycle trails in wooded areas versus cycling lanes in urban areas).
When is qualitative data used in sports?
In sports psychology, qualitative methodology such as open ended questions with focus groups can be used to explore the feelings of anxiety among athletes prior to performance at major sporting competitions.
In exercise psychology, in-depth interviews could be used to help establish whether more frequent exercisers have a more accurate understanding of their injuries than less frequent exercisers.
Why is qualitative data used in sports?
To try to gain a better understanding of a ppts experiences.
What is objective data?
Fact-based information which is measurable and usable (e.g. the level achieved on the multi-stage fitness test which links to a VO2 max score).
What is subjective data?
Data based on personal opinion which is less measurable and often less usable (e.g. a parent talking to their child at half time during a hockey match, giving their opinion of their performance in the first half).
What is objective data highly suitable or meaningful for?
Decision making when feeding back to sports performers (e.g. performance analysis of a swimmer at the English Institute of Sport).
What is validity?
Refers to the degree to which the data collected actually measures what it claims to measure.
What is reliability?
Refers to the degree to which data collection is consistent and stable over time.
What is an example of reliability in quantitative research?
Can be when one researcher conducting the same test (e.g. skinfold measurements) on the same individual on a number of occasions and getting the same of very similar results. Alternatively, it can be different researchers conducting the same test on the same individual and getting the same or very similar results.
What is an example of reliability in qualitative research?
Relates to the same researcher placing results into the same categories on different occasions, or different researchers placing results into the same or similar categories.
How can reliability be affected?
By errors that occur when researchers do not know how to use equipment correctly, e.g. the use of skin-fold calipers when assessing body composition. Also by poorly maintained equipment which may give incorrect readings.
If the data is not valid, what is the reliability likely to be like?
Questionable as validity is required before reliability can be considered in any way.
Why are digital technology used in sport more frequently by coaches and athletes?
To analyse individual technique as well as team performances.
At individual level - video analysis can also be used to analyse gait and biomechanical aspects of performance, with any information gained also potentially able to help in injury rehabilitation.
