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HMS, BM EQ-Bank 800

Compare THREE different research questions about ventilation rate responses to aerobic training, and evaluate which would provide the most valid and reliable data for a student research project.   (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

Question 1: “Does aerobic training change ventilation rate?”

  • This question lacks specificity about training type, duration, and measurement methods, making valid data collection difficult as variables remain undefined.

Question 2: “What is the effect of 3 weeks of fartlek training on ventilation rate during submaximal exercise?”

  • This question improves specificity by naming training type and duration, but omits measurement protocols and participant details, risking reliability.

Question 3: “How does 30 minutes of continuous aerobic training at 70% maximum heart rate, performed 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, affect ventilation rate during a standardised step test in 15 – 17 year old students?”

  • This question provides precise parameters for training intensity, frequency, duration, measurement protocols, and participant group.

Validity and Reliability

Question 3: 

  • Provides the most valid and reliable data by clearly defining all variables, enabling consistent implementation and standardised testing.
  • It allows for accurate pre-and post-testing comparisons with controlled variables, enhancing internal validity.
  • Its specificity ensures study reproducibility, improving reliability and allowing meaningful conclusions about ventilation responses to aerobic training.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Question 1: “Does aerobic training change ventilation rate?”

  • This question lacks specificity about training type, duration, and measurement methods, making valid data collection difficult as variables remain undefined.

Question 2: “What is the effect of 3 weeks of fartlek training on ventilation rate during submaximal exercise?”

  • This question improves specificity by naming training type and duration, but omits measurement protocols and participant details, risking reliability.

Question 3: “How does 30 minutes of continuous aerobic training at 70% maximum heart rate, performed 3 times weekly for 4 weeks, affect ventilation rate during a standardised step test in 15 – 17 year old students?”

  • This question provides precise parameters for training intensity, frequency, duration, measurement protocols, and participant group.

Validity and Reliability

Question 3: 

  • Provides the most valid and reliable data by clearly defining all variables, enabling consistent implementation and standardised testing.
  • It allows for accurate pre-and post-testing comparisons with controlled variables, enhancing internal validity.
  • Its specificity ensures study reproducibility, improving reliability and allowing meaningful conclusions about ventilation responses to aerobic training.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 799

You are investigating the physiological adaptations to different types of aerobic training. Formulate an appropriate research question for this investigation and explain why it meets the criteria for a good research question.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer – Other research questions are possible

Research question:

  • “Which aerobic training method (continuous running, cycling, or swimming) produces the greatest reduction in recovery heart rate after 4 weeks of training in 16-year-old students?“

Explanation:

  • This leads to specific identification of the physiological response (recovery heart rate) and compares defined training methods.
  • The reason for this is that heart rate can be objectively measured using monitors or manual counting, making it measurable.
  • This creates a practical study timeframe (4 weeks) that works within school settings.
  • Therefore the population is clearly defined (16-year-old students), ensuring the study targets a specific group.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Other research questions are possible

Research question:

  • “Which aerobic training method (continuous running, cycling, or swimming) produces the greatest reduction in recovery heart rate after 4 weeks of training in 16-year-old students?“

Explanation:

  • This leads to specific identification of the physiological response (recovery heart rate) and compares defined training methods.
  • The reason for this is that heart rate can be objectively measured using monitors or manual counting, making it measurable.
  • This creates a practical study timeframe (4 weeks) that works within school settings.
  • Therefore the population is clearly defined (16-year-old students), ensuring the study targets a specific group.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 798 MC

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate research question for investigating immediate physiological responses to aerobic training?

  1. What are the benefits of aerobic exercise for teenagers?
  2. How does running affect the body's energy systems?
  3. What is the effect of 6 weeks of swimming training on resting heart rate?
  4. Which sporting activity is most enjoyable for high school students?
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: This question is specific, measurable, and focuses directly on a physiological response (resting heart rate) to a specific type of aerobic training (swimming) over a defined period (6 weeks).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Too broad and lacks specificity about which physiological responses are being investigated.
  • B is incorrect: Lacks measurable outcomes and timeframe for investigation.
  • D is incorrect: Focuses on enjoyment rather than physiological responses to aerobic training.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 380

A group of students observed different rates of recovery after their physical education class. Develop a research question to investigate this observation, and explain how you could ensure this question addresses the physiological responses to aerobic training.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • A suitable research question would be: “How does recovery heart rate over a 5-minute period following a standardised 15-minute aerobic circuit differ between students who participate in regular sport and those who don’t?”
  • This question specifies the physiological response being measured (recovery heart rate) over a defined time period (5 minutes).
  • The aerobic stimulus is clearly identified (15-minute standardized circuit) to ensure consistency across all participants.
  • The question establishes comparative groups (regular sport participants vs. non-participants) to investigate potential differences in physiological responses.
  • To ensure the question addresses physiological responses to aerobic training, heart rate measurements would be taken at consistent intervals during recovery (e.g., immediately after exercise, then at 1, 3, and 5 minutes).
  • The question is designed to be measurable using accessible equipment such as heart rate monitors or manual pulse measurement techniques.
  • Results would provide insight into cardiovascular recovery efficiency, which is a key physiological adaptation to regular aerobic training.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • A suitable research question would be: “How does recovery heart rate over a 5-minute period following a standardised 15-minute aerobic circuit differ between students who participate in regular sport and those who don’t?”
  • This question specifies the physiological response being measured (recovery heart rate) over a defined time period (5 minutes).
  • The aerobic stimulus is clearly identified (15-minute standardized circuit) to ensure consistency across all participants.
  • The question establishes comparative groups (regular sport participants vs. non-participants) to investigate potential differences in physiological responses.
  • To ensure the question addresses physiological responses to aerobic training, heart rate measurements would be taken at consistent intervals during recovery (e.g., immediately after exercise, then at 1, 3, and 5 minutes).
  • The question is designed to be measurable using accessible equipment such as heart rate monitors or manual pulse measurement techniques.
  • Results would provide insight into cardiovascular recovery efficiency, which is a key physiological adaptation to regular aerobic training.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 379

A student is studying physiological responses to aerobic training. Outline the steps they should take to develop a focused research question on this topic.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • Identify a specific physiological response of interest (e.g., heart rate, ventilation rate, body temperature) that can be reliably measured.
  • Determine the exact aerobic training activity or protocol to be studied, including details of duration and intensity.
  • Consider the particular aspect of the response to investigate (immediate changes, recovery patterns, or adaptations over time).
  • Formulate a question that establishes a clear relationship between the training and the physiological response, using precise language and avoiding ambiguity.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Identify a specific physiological response of interest (e.g., heart rate, ventilation rate, body temperature) that can be reliably measured.
  • Determine the exact aerobic training activity or protocol to be studied, including details of duration and intensity.
  • Consider the particular aspect of the response to investigate (immediate changes, recovery patterns, or adaptations over time).
  • Formulate a question that establishes a clear relationship between the training and the physiological response, using precise language and avoiding ambiguity.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 378 MC

A student wants to investigate how heart rate responds to aerobic training. Which of the following is the most well-structured research question?

  1. "Does exercise affect heart rate?"
  2. "What happens to the body during a 30-minute jog?"
  3. "How does the average heart rate during a 10-minute step test compare between students who regularly participate in aerobic training and those who don't?"
  4. "Why do heart rates increase when we exercise?"
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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Specific about physiological parameter, exercise protocol, and comparison groups.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Too vague, lacking specific detail about exercise type and heart rate measurement.
  • B is incorrect: Too broad, covering multiple potential physiological responses without specificity.
  • D is incorrect: Asks “why” which is explanatory rather than investigative.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 377

The FITT principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) is commonly used to design aerobic training programs. Develop a research question that investigates how one component of the FITT principle affects a physiological response. Justify your choice of question and explain how you would ensure it is suitable for scientific investigation.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • A suitable research question would be: “How does varying exercise intensity (50%, 70%, and 90% of maximum heart rate) affect blood lactate levels during a 15-minute continuous cycling session?”
  • This question isolates one specific FITT component (intensity) while controlling others (frequency, time, and type) to establish clear cause-effect relationships.
  • Blood lactate is a measurable physiological response that directly reflects metabolic processes during aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
  • The question includes specific, quantifiable intensity levels creating distinct independent variable conditions for comparison.
  • The time frame (15 minutes) is sufficient to observe physiological responses while remaining practical for research participants to complete.
  • The question allows for collection of objective numerical data suitable for statistical analysis.
  • The investigation could be conducted using a repeated measures design where each participant completes all three intensity levels, minimizing individual variation.
  • Results would have practical applications for training prescription and understanding thresholds where metabolic pathways shift from primarily aerobic to increased anaerobic contribution.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • A suitable research question would be: “How does varying exercise intensity (50%, 70%, and 90% of maximum heart rate) affect blood lactate levels during a 15-minute continuous cycling session?”
  • This question isolates one specific FITT component (intensity) while controlling others (frequency, time, and type) to establish clear cause-effect relationships.
  • Blood lactate is a measurable physiological response that directly reflects metabolic processes during aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
  • The question includes specific, quantifiable intensity levels creating distinct independent variable conditions for comparison.
  • The time frame (15 minutes) is sufficient to observe physiological responses while remaining practical for research participants to complete.
  • The question allows for collection of objective numerical data suitable for statistical analysis.
  • The investigation could be conducted using a repeated measures design where each participant completes all three intensity levels, minimizing individual variation.
  • Results would have practical applications for training prescription and understanding thresholds where metabolic pathways shift from primarily aerobic to increased anaerobic contribution.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 376

A student wants to investigate how heart rate changes during a 5km run. Explain how they could refine this initial idea into a well-structured research question for investigating physiological responses to aerobic training.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • Specify the exact physiological response by focusing on particular aspects of heart rate (resting, maximum, recovery rate). Refinement such as this is necessary because it provides measurable and specific variables for investigation.
  • Define the exercise conditions clearly, including the pace of the run (time-based or percentage of maximum effort). Thus ensuring standardised conditions and enables reliable data collection.
  • Consider participant characteristics that might be relevant (age, fitness level, training experience). This helps control variables that could influence heart rate responses and improves validity.
  • Identify whether the question will examine immediate responses or adaptations over multiple training sessions. Making distinctions like this is important because it determines study design.
  • Include measurement timing and control variables such as environmental conditions and warm-up protocols. This creates a comprehensive framework.
  • A refined research question might be: “How does heart rate respond and recover in 16-18 year old students when completing a 5km run at 70% estimated maximum?”

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Specify the exact physiological response by focusing on particular aspects of heart rate (resting, maximum, recovery rate). Refinement such as this is necessary because it provides measurable and specific variables for investigation.
  • Define the exercise conditions clearly, including the pace of the run (time-based or percentage of maximum effort). Thus ensuring standardised conditions and enables reliable data collection.
  • Consider participant characteristics that might be relevant (age, fitness level, training experience). This helps control variables that could influence heart rate responses and improves validity.
  • Identify whether the question will examine immediate responses or adaptations over multiple training sessions. Making distinctions like this is important because it determines study design.
  • Include measurement timing and control variables such as environmental conditions and warm-up protocols. This creates a comprehensive framework.
  • A refined research question might be: “How does heart rate respond and recover in 16-18 year old students when completing a 5km run at 70% estimated maximum?”

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 375

A group of students has observed that their classmates appear to have different ventilation responses during aerobic training. Create a research question to investigate this observation and evaluate why this question would be suitable for scientific investigation of physiological responses to aerobic training.   (8 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • An appropriate research question would be: “How do ventilation rates differ between trained and untrained individuals during a 20-minute aerobic exercise session at 70% of maximum heart rate?”
  • This question identifies a specific physiological response (ventilation rate) that can be objectively measured using breathing frequency or spirometry.
  • The question establishes a clear comparative framework between defined groups (trained versus untrained) allowing for analysis of differences.
  • Exercise parameters are precisely defined (20 minutes, 70% MHR) ensuring standardisation across participants.
  • The question is testable using equipment likely available in a school setting (heart rate monitors and manual counting of breathing rate).
  • The investigation would generate quantitative data suitable for statistical analysis to determine significance of any observed differences.
  • Results could contribute to understanding of respiratory adaptations to aerobic training and potentially inform training recommendations.
  • The question avoids unnecessary complexity while still allowing for meaningful investigation of an observed physiological phenomenon.
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • An appropriate research question would be: “How do ventilation rates differ between trained and untrained individuals during a 20-minute aerobic exercise session at 70% of maximum heart rate?”
  • This question identifies a specific physiological response (ventilation rate) that can be objectively measured using breathing frequency or spirometry.
  • The question establishes a clear comparative framework between defined groups (trained versus untrained) allowing for analysis of differences.
  • Exercise parameters are precisely defined (20 minutes, 70% MHR) ensuring standardisation across participants.
  • The question is testable using equipment likely available in a school setting (heart rate monitors and manual counting of breathing rate).
  • The investigation would generate quantitative data suitable for statistical analysis to determine significance of any observed differences.
  • Results could contribute to understanding of respiratory adaptations to aerobic training and potentially inform training recommendations.
  • The question avoids unnecessary complexity while still allowing for meaningful investigation of an observed physiological phenomenon.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 374

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?”
Show Worked Solution

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?”

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 373

Explain how you would develop an appropriate research question to investigate the relationship between aerobic training and recovery heart rate.   (5 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • Begin by identifying the specific aspect of recovery heart rate to be examined (rate of decline, time to return to baseline, or percentage recovery at set time points).
  • Define the aerobic training stimulus precisely, including intensity (e.g., percentage of maximum heart rate) and duration of the exercise.
  • Consider the timeframe for measuring recovery (immediate post-exercise and at what intervals thereafter).
  • Ensure the question is measurable using available equipment such as heart rate monitors or pulse palpation techniques.
  • Refine the question to be specific, clear, and focused on a single relationship rather than multiple variables, such as “How does a 15-minute run at 70% maximum heart rate affect the time taken for heart rate to return to within 10% of resting values?”
Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Begin by identifying the specific aspect of recovery heart rate to be examined (rate of decline, time to return to baseline, or percentage recovery at set time points).
  • Define the aerobic training stimulus precisely, including intensity (e.g., percentage of maximum heart rate) and duration of the exercise.
  • Consider the timeframe for measuring recovery (immediate post-exercise and at what intervals thereafter).
  • Ensure the question is measurable using available equipment such as heart rate monitors or pulse palpation techniques.
  • Refine the question to be specific, clear, and focused on a single relationship rather than multiple variables, such as “How does a 15-minute run at 70% maximum heart rate affect the time taken for heart rate to return to within 10% of resting values?”

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 372

Describe the key components that should be included when creating a research question about physiological responses to aerobic training.   (4 marks)

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Sample Answer 

  • Specific physiological response being measured must be clearly identified (e.g., resting heart rate, ventilation rate, blood lactate levels).
  • Type of aerobic training should be defined with specific characteristics including duration, intensity, frequency, and mode of exercise.
  • Target population characteristics should be specified including age range, fitness level, and health status.
  • Timeframe and measurement points must be established, indicating when data will be collected (e.g., pre-training, post-exercise).
  • Control variables that could affect results should be identified, such as environmental conditions and prior exercise history.
  • Measurability considerations should ensure the investigation can be practically conducted.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer 

  • Specific physiological response being measured must be clearly identified (e.g., resting heart rate, ventilation rate, blood lactate levels).
  • Type of aerobic training should be defined with specific characteristics including duration, intensity, frequency, and mode of exercise.
  • Target population characteristics should be specified including age range, fitness level, and health status.
  • Timeframe and measurement points must be established, indicating when data will be collected (e.g., pre-training, post-exercise).
  • Control variables that could affect results should be identified, such as environmental conditions and prior exercise history.
  • Measurability considerations should ensure the investigation can be practically conducted.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 371 MC

A student wants to create a research question about aerobic training and its effects on the body. Which of the following elements is MOST essential to include in their research question?

  1. The time of day when training occurs
  2. The specific physiological parameter being measured
  3. The gender of the participants
  4. The location where the research will be conducted
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: A well-formed research question about physiological responses must specify which physiological parameter (e.g., heart rate, ventilation rate, blood lactate) is being investigated.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Time of day may be a controlled variable but isn’t essential in the research question itself.
  • C is incorrect: Gender may be a demographic factor to consider but isn’t essential in forming the basic research question.
  • D is incorrect: Location is a methodological detail but not essential to the core research question formation.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 370 MC

Which of the following research questions would best allow investigation of a physiological response to aerobic training?

  1. "How many students participate in school aerobic activities?"
  2. "What is the most popular aerobic activity among teenagers?"
  3. "Why do some people prefer swimming to running?"
  4. "How does a 20-minute cycling session affect cardiac output?"
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\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct: Specifically identifies both the aerobic training stimulus (20-minute cycling) and the physiological response being measured (cardiac output).

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Measures participation rates, not physiological responses.
  • B is incorrect: Examines popularity of activities, not physiological responses.
  • C is incorrect: Investigates psychological preferences, not physiological responses.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 367 MC

When creating a research question about physiological responses to aerobic training, which of the following would be most appropriate?

  1. "Does aerobic training make you tired?"
  2. "How does heart rate respond to a 12-minute aerobic fitness test?"
  3. "Is aerobic exercise better than weight training?"
  4. "Why do people enjoy aerobic training?"
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: This option is specific, measurable, and directly investigates a physiological response (heart rate) to a defined aerobic training activity.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Too vague and subjective without specifying a physiological response.
  • C is incorrect: Compares different exercise types rather than investigating a physiological response.
  • D is incorrect: Focuses on psychological aspects rather than physiological responses