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. This reduces reliability because 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. This limits reliability because 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. This reduces reliability because physiological variations unrelated to training intervention occur between testing sessions.
- The absence of consistent environmental controls (temperature, humidity, wind conditions, surface conditions) on the school oval. This creates test-retest variability because environmental factors significantly impact running performance and heart rate responses.
- Lack of standardised heart rate measurement technique and timing (exact seconds after exercise cessation). This 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. This affects reliability because different durations change the physiological demands and subsequent heart rate responses.
- The absence of a standardised warm-up protocol before the test. This results in different starting physiological states, which influences 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. This affects reliability because these factors influence effort levels and heart rate responses.
- Without proper equipment calibration (if using heart rate monitors) or consistent manual pulse-taking technique (if done manually). This reduces precision because the heart rate measurements themselves may lack accuracy and consistency.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following
- Not marking the exact distance covered creates inconsistency in performance measurement. This reduces reliability because 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. This limits reliability because 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. This reduces reliability because physiological variations unrelated to training intervention occur between testing sessions.
- The absence of consistent environmental controls (temperature, humidity, wind conditions, surface conditions) on the school oval. This creates test-retest variability because environmental factors significantly impact running performance and heart rate responses.
- Lack of standardised heart rate measurement technique and timing (exact seconds after exercise cessation). This 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. This affects reliability because different durations change the physiological demands and subsequent heart rate responses.
- The absence of a standardised warm-up protocol before the test. This results in different starting physiological states, which influences 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. This affects reliability because these factors influence effort levels and heart rate responses.
- Without proper equipment calibration (if using heart rate monitors) or consistent manual pulse-taking technique (if done manually). This reduces precision because the heart rate measurements themselves may lack accuracy and consistency.