Unit 6: Measurement of Human Performance

Question 1

Standard Deviation

Answer 1

The spread of scores around the mean
Can say something about inconsistency
- 68% is within 1 SD
- 95% is within 2 SD

Question 2

Error Bars

Answer 2

Graphical representation of variability of data

- Can depict SD from the mean

Question 3

Coefficient of Variation

Answer 3

Ratio of SD to the mean expressed as a percentage

Provides similar info to SD but the use of % - easier for people to relate/understand

Question 4

Coefficient of Variation calculation

Answer 4

V = (100 x SD)/MEAN %

Question 5

T-tests

Answer 5

Inferential (conclusion based off evidence + reasoning) statistical test
Measures whether differences between group means are due to the independent variable or due to chance

Question 6

Paired t-tests vs. unpaired t-tests

Answer 6

Paired: Same people are being compared
Unpaired: Participants are not paired/results from different people are compared

Question 7

Correlation

Answer 7

The presence of a relationship between two variables

Question 8

Linear Correlation Coefficient (R value)

Answer 8

Measures the strength and the direction of a linear relationship between two variables
-1

Question 9

Coefficient of Determination (R2 value)

Answer 9

Indicates the strength of correlation and it is a statistical measure of how close the data points are in accordance to the fitted regression line

0

Question 10

Correlation and causation

Answer 10

Correlation does not equal correlation

Just because is a relationship between 2 variables, it does not mean one variable is the cause of the other variable.

• there can be no correlation
• two variables can be correlated due to a third variable

Question 11

Study Design

Answer 11

Main factors involved when measuring individual fitness levels: SARV - specificity, accuracy, reliability, validity
Performance test should have this

Question 12

Specificity

Answer 12

The exercise/testing is particular/relating to the sport

Question 13

Accuracy

Answer 13

Instruments in which measurements are obtained are working properly

Question 14

Reliability

Answer 14

Degree to which a measure would produce the same result from one occasion to another

Question 15

Validity

Answer 15

Test actually measures what it claims to measure

Question 16

Control group

Answer 16

No treatment is given

To be sure if changes are due to the independent variable and not due to a learning or habituation effect

Question 17

Placebo

Answer 17

Substance or other kind of treatment that looks just like a regular treatment or medicine but is harmless and does not affect performance

Question 18

Blinding participant

Answer 18

The participant does not know their treatment

Question 19

Double blinding

Answer 19

Both the participant and experimenter does not know the treatment/who is given the placebo

Ensures that experimenters do not accidentally influence the participants

Question 20

Randomisation

Answer 20

Randomly allocate individuals to the groups

Question 21

Pair groups

Answer 21

At the start, the groups are fairly evenly matched

Based on pre-test (e.g. based on experience)

Question 22

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR Q)

Answer 22

Used to measure components of fitness required for the individual to undertake physical activity (often strenuous physical activity)

Recommended to take before asking someone to undertake physical activity
Should be completed when asking for training advice or joining a sports/exercise club
Should be completed before the individual’s take part in an experiment

Question 23

Field vs. Laboratory tests

Answer 23

Field test - done in a natural environment; not everyone has access to labs; not as accurate or reliable
Laboratory test - done in a laboratory; meets the criteria and more accurate

E.g. measuring V02 max
Field - Cooper’s 12 minute run test
Laboratory - Treadmill

Question 24

Maximal tests

Answer 24

Measure the maximum amount a person can do

e.g. VO2 max, maximum weight one can lift (1RM)

Question 25

Sub-maximal tests

Answer 25

Someone who is not used to undertaking maximal exercise are likely to stop before reaching their maximum (due to anxiousness for injury)

Sub-maximal tests can be used and from this, max can be calculated
Useful with groups such as children (not used to working to their max) or elderly (may feel concerned about going to the max)

Question 26

Components of fitness

Answer 26

Relates to an individual’s physical ability to perform a specific activity
Focuses on physical fitness; emphasises there are different components + for each component - variety of ways to assess an individual’s fitness