Topic 6 - Measurement and Evaluation of Human Performance

• Error bars are a graphical representation of the variability of data.
• The most common display of variability is standard deviation, which measures how much a set of data varies from the mean.
• Standard Deviation is a measure of the spread of scores around the mean, and approximately 68% of data will fall within 1 standard deviation of the mean, and 95% of all data will fall within 2 standard deviation of the mean.
• A large standard deviation indicates the participant's scores were inconsistent and that the scores were widely spread with a high degree of human error or low accuracy.
• A small standard deviation indicates the scores are clustered quite closely and were consistent and highly accurate.
• The coefficient of variation is the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean expressed as a percentage, and it allows you to compare different types of data.
• A researcher can use a statistical test called a t-test to compare differences in standard of two unrelated means, as a percentage.
• For the t-test to be applied, the data should have a normal distribution and a sample size of at least 10.
• One tailed t-test tests one direction of interests, completely disregarding the possibility of a relationship in other directions.
• Two tailed t-test tests the possibility of the relationship in both directions.
• Paired t-test is used when one group of subjects is tested twice on the same variables OR two groups of subjects are matched.
• Laboratory tests are not always accessible and can be expensive, and may not be specific to the sport.
• Field tests are performed in natural environments, where sport competition takes place, and can increase the sports specificity of the data.
• If the individual answers 'yes' to one or more of the questions of the PAR-Q, they should consult a doctor before participating in the study.
• Maximal tests involve participants completing exercise to exhaustion, putting larger stress on the body and may not be suitable for participants who are not used to performing at maximal intensity.
• Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) is completed prior to an individual participating in physical activity to assess their capability in doing the study.
• Sub-maximal tests require minimal equipment and are more appropriate for children, elderly, unfit and obese.
• Causality: the relationship between one event and a second event (cause and effect) is demonstrated in experiments through study design.
• Randomisation, blinding (double-blinding), control groups, and placebos are important elements of study design.
• Evaluate Field Tests are easier to administer and cheaper, with a bigger sample size, and can be conducted in the sporting environment.
• Laboratory tests offer greater accuracy as they are more controlled than field tests, with a greater range of measurements and a smaller sample size.
• Sub-maximal tests involve participants exercising below maximal effort, making them less stressful on participants and allowing for repeated testing.
• Identification of research question, identification of variables (IV, DV, CV's and their management), appropriate number of trials, and one-way ANOVA tests are all part of study design.
• If the individual answers 'no' to all the questions in the PAR-Q, they can participate in the study.
• Control groups: a group in a scientific experiment where the factor being tested isn't applied, so it serves as a standard for comparison against another group where the factor is applied
• Validity: the experiment measure what it sets out to measure and verifies the purpose of the test
• Blinding (Double-blinding): a blind experiment is a test in which information about the test is concealed from the tester, participant or both to avoid researcher bias
• Accuracy: the equipment being used to measure results in the experiment work properly and allows for precise measurements to be made
• Strict controlling variables in experiments is required.
• Specificity: the experiment tests an aspect of a sport, specific to the athlete e.g. vertical jump test for volleyball player
• Treatment group: the item or subject being manipulated is done with this group
• The existence of a correlation doesn't establish that there is a casual relationship between 2 variables.
• Unpaired t-test: applies to two independent groups and compares the mean of 2 groups.
• Reliability: the degree to which a measurement would produce the same result from one occasion to another
• Placebos: a scientifically ineffective substance which individual believe to be effective
• Randomisation: objects or individuals are randomly assigned, by chance, to an experimental group, ensuring there's no bias in the study which may influence the subjects and hence the results
• Health related Fitness: consists of components required to meet demands of everyday life/activities without injury:

  • Body composition
  • Cardio-respiratory fitness
  • Flexibility
  • strength
  • Muscular Endurance
• Performance related fitness: consists fo componenets required to execute desired skills with success during sport:components

  • agility
  • power
  • balance
  • coordination
  • reaction time
  • speed
• Strength: the ability of the body to apply force

  e.g. required when two opponents grab the ball at the same time
• flexibility: range of movement possible to a joint

  e.g. good range of motion is required when during a defensive stance