A student is interested in comparing different aerobic activities and their effects on oxygen consumption. Analyse how they should formulate their research question to ensure it is appropriate for scientific investigation. (6 marks)
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Sample Answer
- The research question should specify exactly which aerobic activities will be compared (e.g., running, cycling, swimming) to maintain a focused scope.
- The question must clearly define oxygen consumption measurement (VO₂, L/min or ml/kg/min) and whether peak or average values will be analysed.
- Exercise intensity parameters must be standardised across activities (e.g., same percentage of maximum heart rate or perceived exertion) to enable valid comparisons.
- Duration of each activity should be consistent and specified in the question to control for differences in energy expenditure.
- The question should avoid directional bias or assumptions about which activity might produce higher oxygen consumption.
- A well-formulated question might be: “How does oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min) compare between 20-minute sessions of running, cycling, and rowing when performed at 65-70% of maximum heart rate?”
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Sample Answer
- The research question should specify exactly which aerobic activities will be compared (e.g., running, cycling, swimming) to maintain a focused scope.
- The question must clearly define oxygen consumption measurement (VO₂, L/min or ml/kg/min) and whether peak or average values will be analysed.
- Exercise intensity parameters must be standardised across activities (e.g., same percentage of maximum heart rate or perceived exertion) to enable valid comparisons.
- Duration of each activity should be consistent and specified in the question to control for differences in energy expenditure.
- The question should avoid directional bias or assumptions about which activity might produce higher oxygen consumption.
- A well-formulated question might be: “How does oxygen consumption (ml/kg/min) compare between 20-minute sessions of running, cycling, and rowing when performed at 65-70% of maximum heart rate?”