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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 409 MC

A student conducted a study measuring changes in oxygen uptake during a 10-week aerobic training program, but the data showed unusual fluctuations. Upon review, it was discovered that the testing was performed in varying environmental conditions (different room temperatures, humidity levels, and times of day).

Which statement best describes the issue with this data collection approach?

  1. The data lacks reliability because measurements were taken under inconsistent conditions.
  2. The data lacks validity because oxygen uptake doesn't measure aerobic adaptations.
  3. The data lacks credibility because the testing equipment wasn't properly calibrated.
  4. The data lacks accuracy because the training program was too short to show results.
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Consider Option A: 

  • The data lacks reliability because measurements were taken under inconsistent conditions.
  • Reliability refers to the consistency of results, and when environmental conditions vary (temperature, humidity, time of day), they act as confounding variables that reduce the consistency of the measurements.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Oxygen uptake is a valid measure of aerobic adaptation; the issue isn’t with what’s being measured.
  • C is incorrect: There’s no indication in the scenario that the equipment wasn’t calibrated; the issue is with the inconsistent testing conditions.
  • D is incorrect: A 10-week program is typically sufficient to observe aerobic adaptations; the issue is with the varying testing conditions, not the length of the program.