Unit 6: Measurement of Human Performance Flashcards
Standard Deviation
The spread of scores around the mean
Can say something about inconsistency
- 68% is within 1 SD
- 95% is within 2 SD
Error Bars
Graphical representation of variability of data
- Can depict SD from the mean
Coefficient of Variation
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
Coefficient of Variation calculation
V = (100 x SD)/MEAN %
T-tests
Inferential (conclusion based off evidence + reasoning) statistical test
Measures whether differences between group means are due to the independent variable or due to chance
Paired t-tests vs. unpaired t-tests
Paired: Same people are being compared
Unpaired: Participants are not paired/results from different people are compared
Correlation
The presence of a relationship between two variables
Linear Correlation Coefficient (R value)
Measures the strength and the direction of a linear relationship between two variables
-1
Coefficient of Determination (R2 value)
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
Correlation and causation
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
Study Design
Main factors involved when measuring individual fitness levels: SARV - specificity, accuracy, reliability, validity
Performance test should have this
Specificity
The exercise/testing is particular/relating to the sport
Accuracy
Instruments in which measurements are obtained are working properly
Reliability
Degree to which a measure would produce the same result from one occasion to another
Validity
Test actually measures what it claims to measure
Control group
No treatment is given
To be sure if changes are due to the independent variable and not due to a learning or habituation effect
Placebo
Substance or other kind of treatment that looks just like a regular treatment or medicine but is harmless and does not affect performance
Blinding participant
The participant does not know their treatment
Double blinding
Both the participant and experimenter does not know the treatment/who is given the placebo
Ensures that experimenters do not accidentally influence the participants
Randomisation
Randomly allocate individuals to the groups
Pair groups
At the start, the groups are fairly evenly matched
Based on pre-test (e.g. based on experience)
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR Q)
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
Field vs. Laboratory tests
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
Maximal tests
Measure the maximum amount a person can do
e.g. VO2 max, maximum weight one can lift (1RM)
Sub-maximal tests
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)
Components of fitness
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
