In an aerobic training investigation, a student collected heart rate data immediately after a 12-minute Cooper run test. The student conducted the test on a school oval without marking the exact distance covered.
Identify TWO limitations of this data collection approach and explain how each affects the reliability of the results. (3 marks)
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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following
- Not marking the exact distance covered creates inconsistency in performance measurement, reducing reliability as participants may run different distances in pre- and post-tests despite similar perceived effort levels.
- Collecting heart rate only immediately after exercise, rather than at multiple time points during recovery, limits reliability as single measurements are more susceptible to momentary fluctuations and timing errors.
- Failure to standardise pre-test conditions such as nutrition, hydration, sleep quality, or prior physical activity can lead to physiological variations unrelated to the training intervention, reducing reliability between testing sessions.
- The absence of consistent environmental controls (temperature, humidity, wind conditions, surface conditions) on the school oval can significantly impact running performance and heart rate responses, creating test-retest variability.
- Lack of standardised heart rate measurement technique and timing (exact seconds after exercise cessation) leads to inconsistent recovery phase measurements, as heart rate decreases rapidly after exercise stops.
- Without precise timing protocols, the duration of the test itself might vary slightly between testing sessions, affecting the physiological demands and subsequent heart rate responses.
- The absence of a standardised warm-up protocol before the test can result in different starting physiological states, influencing both performance and heart rate responses.
- Failure to account for or control psychological factors like motivation, competition between participants, or external distractions on the school oval could affect effort levels and heart rate responses.
- Without proper equipment calibration (if using heart rate monitors) or consistent manual pulse-taking technique (if done manually), the heart rate measurements themselves may lack precision and consistency.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following
- Not marking the exact distance covered creates inconsistency in performance measurement, reducing reliability as participants may run different distances in pre- and post-tests despite similar perceived effort levels.
- Collecting heart rate only immediately after exercise, rather than at multiple time points during recovery, limits reliability as single measurements are more susceptible to momentary fluctuations and timing errors.
- Failure to standardise pre-test conditions such as nutrition, hydration, sleep quality, or prior physical activity can lead to physiological variations unrelated to the training intervention, reducing reliability between testing sessions.
- The absence of consistent environmental controls (temperature, humidity, wind conditions, surface conditions) on the school oval can significantly impact running performance and heart rate responses, creating test-retest variability.
- Lack of standardised heart rate measurement technique and timing (exact seconds after exercise cessation) leads to inconsistent recovery phase measurements, as heart rate decreases rapidly after exercise stops.
- Without precise timing protocols, the duration of the test itself might vary slightly between testing sessions, affecting the physiological demands and subsequent heart rate responses.
- The absence of a standardised warm-up protocol before the test can result in different starting physiological states, influencing both performance and heart rate responses.
- Failure to account for or control psychological factors like motivation, competition between participants, or external distractions on the school oval could affect effort levels and heart rate responses.
- Without proper equipment calibration (if using heart rate monitors) or consistent manual pulse-taking technique (if done manually), the heart rate measurements themselves may lack precision and consistency.