smc-5533-25-Validity/Reliability/Credibility

HMS, BM 2012 HSC 18 MC

A timed 100-metre sprint trial to measure speed and power is conducted using several athletes. The same test procedure and conditions are followed for each of these athletes three times.

Which statement is true about the results?

They are valid and reliable.
They are valid but not reliable.
They are reliable but not valid.
They are neither valid nor reliable.

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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

C is correct: Consistent procedures ensure reliability, but 100m sprint doesn’t measure power.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Test doesn’t validly measure power, only speed.
B is incorrect: Consistent repeated procedures make the test reliable.
D is incorrect: The test is reliable due to consistent methodology.

♦♦♦♦♦♦ Mean mark 16%.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 420

During an investigation into aerobic training responses, a researcher collected data on participants' maximum heart rates using a variety of consumer fitness watches.

Explain the potential impact of this approach on the validity, reliability and credibility of the investigation. Provide recommendations for improvement. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Using various consumer fitness watches creates significant reliability issues because inconsistent measurement algorithms between devices lead to systematic errors when comparing participants’ data.
The reason for this is that different watch brands use varying sensor technologies and calculation methods which results in unreliable heart rate measurements across the study.
Consumer watches typically prioritise comfort and battery life over precision which causes validity problems as they may underestimate true maximum heart rates during intense exercise.
This leads to compromised credibility because non-research-grade equipment lacks established validity against criterion measures like chest strap monitors.
To improve reliability researchers should standardise by using identical devices for all participants which ensures consistent measurement methods throughout the investigation.
Therefore validity would be enhanced by validating selected devices against criterion measures during pilot testing or selecting research-validated consumer devices with documented accuracy.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Using various consumer fitness watches creates significant reliability issues because inconsistent measurement algorithms between devices lead to systematic errors when comparing participants’ data.
The reason for this is that different watch brands use varying sensor technologies and calculation methods which results in unreliable heart rate measurements across the study.
Consumer watches typically prioritise comfort and battery life over precision which causes validity problems as they may underestimate true maximum heart rates during intense exercise.
This leads to compromised credibility because non-research-grade equipment lacks established validity against criterion measures like chest strap monitors.
To improve reliability researchers should standardise by using identical devices for all participants which ensures consistent measurement methods throughout the investigation.
Therefore validity would be enhanced by validating selected devices against criterion measures during pilot testing or selecting research-validated consumer devices with documented accuracy.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 419

A school-based research project is investigating the physiological adaptations to a 10-week aerobic training program using both direct (laboratory) and indirect (field-based) measurements.

Critically analyse how the choice of data collection methods affects the validity, reliability, and credibility of findings in physiological investigations of aerobic training. (8 marks)

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Sample Answer

Laboratory tests like VO₂ max testing give more accurate results because they directly measure oxygen use, but field tests like the Beep Test better show how people perform in real sports situations.
Schools often can’t afford expensive lab equipment, so they use field tests which are easier to run but less precise, making researchers choose between perfect measurements and what’s actually possible.
Lab equipment is complicated to use correctly and requires training, so when inexperienced students or teachers handle it, the results might not be as consistent as they should be.
Field tests don’t always give the same results when repeated because they’re done in less controlled environments, but they might better motivate participants to try their hardest because they feel more like real competition.
Testing too often can give more detailed results about how fitness improves, but participants might get better at the tests just from practise, which can make it look like the training is more effective than it really is.
Using multiple types of measurements together (like heart rate, how hard the exercise feels, and performance scores) can give a better overall picture despite limitations of each individual measure.
Researchers might unconsciously influence results if they expect certain outcomes, so it’s important to have neutral people conduct the tests when possible.
School research needs to be honest about what the methods can and cannot show, rather than claiming the results are more accurate than they really are.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Laboratory tests like VO₂ max testing give more accurate results because they directly measure oxygen use, but field tests like the Beep Test better show how people perform in real sports situations.
Schools often can’t afford expensive lab equipment, so they use field tests which are easier to run but less precise, making researchers choose between perfect measurements and what’s actually possible.
Lab equipment is complicated to use correctly and requires training, so when inexperienced students or teachers handle it, the results might not be as consistent as they should be.
Field tests don’t always give the same results when repeated because they’re done in less controlled environments, but they might better motivate participants to try their hardest because they feel more like real competition.
Testing too often can give more detailed results about how fitness improves, but participants might get better at the tests just from practise, which can make it look like the training is more effective than it really is.
Using multiple types of measurements together (like heart rate, how hard the exercise feels, and performance scores) can give a better overall picture despite limitations of each individual measure.
Researchers might unconsciously influence results if they expect certain outcomes, so it’s important to have neutral people conduct the tests when possible.
School research needs to be honest about what the methods can and cannot show, rather than claiming the results are more accurate than they really are.

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.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 417

A student is designing an investigation to measure changes in stroke volume following an 8-week high-intensity interval training program.

Evaluate the challenges in ensuring valid, reliable, and credible data collection when measuring complex physiological responses to aerobic training. (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

Measuring stroke volume accurately is difficult in a school setting because it requires special equipment that most schools don’t have, so students often use less accurate methods that might not show the true physiological changes.
Many factors like whether participants had food or water before testing, how much they exercised recently, or even if they’re nervous can affect heart measurements, making it hard to get reliable results unless these factors are strictly controlled.
Students might not try their hardest during testing if they know they’re being observed, which affects how valid the results are because the measurements won’t show their true maximum capacity.
Heart measurements like stroke volume naturally change from day to day in the same person, which makes it hard to tell if changes are from the training program or just normal variation.
Schools usually can’t access the best measurement tools (like heart imaging machines), so they have to use simpler methods that might not be as trusted by scientists.
To deal with these challenges, students should use multiple ways to measure the same thing, keep testing conditions as similar as possible each time, and be honest about the limitations of their methods.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Measuring stroke volume accurately is difficult in a school setting because it requires special equipment that most schools don’t have, so students often use less accurate methods that might not show the true physiological changes.
Many factors like whether participants had food or water before testing, how much they exercised recently, or even if they’re nervous can affect heart measurements, making it hard to get reliable results unless these factors are strictly controlled.
Students might not try their hardest during testing if they know they’re being observed, which affects how valid the results are because the measurements won’t show their true maximum capacity.
Heart measurements like stroke volume naturally change from day to day in the same person, which makes it hard to tell if changes are from the training program or just normal variation.
Schools usually can’t access the best measurement tools (like heart imaging machines), so they have to use simpler methods that might not be as trusted by scientists.
To deal with these challenges, students should use multiple ways to measure the same thing, keep testing conditions as similar as possible each time, and be honest about the limitations of their methods.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 416

A research team is investigating the relationship between aerobic training and blood pressure responses.

Explain why it is important to use valid and reliable data collection methods when investigating physiological responses to aerobic training. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer

Valid data collection methods are important because they ensure that physiological variables being measured genuinely reflect aerobic training adaptations. This prevents extraneous factors like measurement timing or technique from affecting results. For example, consistent blood pressure measurement protocols eliminate variations from cuff placement or environmental conditions. Therefore, researchers can confidently attribute observed changes to training intervention rather than measurement errors.
Reliable methods are essential because they enable accurate quantification of training effects across multiple testing sessions. This consistency eliminates variations from measurement technique, equipment performance, or observer differences. As a result, researchers can identify true physiological adaptations that occur due to aerobic training rather than random variations.
Using valid and reliable methods is crucial because it ensures scientific credibility and enables practical applications. This accuracy leads to appropriate exercise prescriptions for health outcomes like blood pressure reduction. In contrast, invalid or unreliable methods could result in incorrect conclusions about training.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Valid data collection methods are important because they ensure that physiological variables being measured genuinely reflect aerobic training adaptations. This prevents extraneous factors like measurement timing or technique from affecting results. For example, consistent blood pressure measurement protocols eliminate variations from cuff placement or environmental conditions. Therefore, researchers can confidently attribute observed changes to training intervention rather than measurement errors.
Reliable methods are essential because they enable accurate quantification of training effects across multiple testing sessions. This consistency eliminates variations from measurement technique, equipment performance, or observer differences. As a result, researchers can identify true physiological adaptations that occur due to aerobic training rather than random variations.
Using valid and reliable methods is crucial because it ensures scientific credibility and enables practical applications. This accuracy leads to appropriate exercise prescriptions for health outcomes like blood pressure reduction. In contrast, invalid or unreliable methods could result in incorrect conclusions about training.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 415

In a school-based investigation on the effects of aerobic training on cardiovascular efficiency, researchers must carefully consider ethical implications alongside validity, reliability, and credibility.

Analyse how ethical considerations in data collection might impact the validity, reliability, and credibility of the investigation's findings. (6 marks)

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Sample Answer

Informed consent requirements may limit data collection methods to non-invasive procedures, potentially reducing validity if the most valid measures (such as blood lactate sampling) are excluded in favor of less invasive but less direct measurements.
Participant comfort and safety concerns may necessitate modifications to testing protocols, such as submaximal rather than maximal testing, which creates a reliability trade-off between participant welfare and obtaining the most consistent physiological responses.
The need to accommodate varying fitness levels ethically requires individualised protocols or early termination criteria, introducing methodological variability that may compromise the standardisation required for high reliability.
Privacy and confidentiality obligations might restrict the collection of potentially relevant health information or demographic data, limiting the ability to identify confounding variables that could impact validity.
Ethical requirements for voluntary participation acknowledge participants’ right to withdraw, potentially creating self-selection bias or incomplete data sets that affect the credibility of findings.
Despite these challenges, adhering to ethical standards ultimately enhances credibility as it demonstrates scientific integrity and responsible research practices, even if methodological compromises are made.

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Sample Answer

Informed consent requirements may limit data collection methods to non-invasive procedures, potentially reducing validity if the most valid measures (such as blood lactate sampling) are excluded in favor of less invasive but less direct measurements.
Participant comfort and safety concerns may necessitate modifications to testing protocols, such as submaximal rather than maximal testing, which creates a reliability trade-off between participant welfare and obtaining the most consistent physiological responses.
The need to accommodate varying fitness levels ethically requires individualised protocols or early termination criteria, introducing methodological variability that may compromise the standardisation required for high reliability.
Privacy and confidentiality obligations might restrict the collection of potentially relevant health information or demographic data, limiting the ability to identify confounding variables that could impact validity.
Ethical requirements for voluntary participation acknowledge participants’ right to withdraw, potentially creating self-selection bias or incomplete data sets that affect the credibility of findings.
Despite these challenges, adhering to ethical standards ultimately enhances credibility as it demonstrates scientific integrity and responsible research practices, even if methodological compromises are made.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 414

A student is investigating changes in respiratory rate during submaximal exercise following an 8-week aerobic training program.

Compare the validity and reliability in the context of this physiological investigation. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Similarities:

Both validity and reliability are essential concepts for accurate assessment of respiratory rate changes following aerobic training.
Both require standardised protocols to produce meaningful data.

Differences:

Validity refers to whether respiratory rate measurements accurately reflect physiological adaptations. This requires ensuring the exercise protocol adequately challenges the respiratory system.
Reliability refers to the consistency of measurements across multiple testing sessions. This requires consistent counting methods.
Validity focuses on accuracy of what is measured, while reliability focuses on consistency.
Validity might be compromised if measurements occur during inappropriate intensities.
Reliability might be compromised if different methods are used consistently.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Similarities:

Both validity and reliability are essential concepts for accurate assessment of respiratory rate changes following aerobic training.
Both require standardised protocols to produce meaningful data.

Differences:

Validity refers to whether respiratory rate measurements accurately reflect physiological adaptations. This requires ensuring the exercise protocol adequately challenges the respiratory system.
Reliability refers to the consistency of measurements across multiple testing sessions. This requires consistent counting methods.
Validity focuses on accuracy of what is measured, while reliability focuses on consistency.
Validity might be compromised if measurements occur during inappropriate intensities.
Reliability might be compromised if different methods are used consistently.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 413

When discussing the credibility of data collection in physiological investigations, researchers must consider multiple factors.

Explain THREE factors that influence the credibility of data in an investigation measuring VO₂ max changes following an aerobic training program. (5 marks)

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Sample Answer – Any 3 of the following

Factor 1: Researcher Qualifications

The reason for this is that researcher qualifications and expertise directly impact credibility when administering fitness tests.
Proper protocol execution requires technical knowledge and experience with testing equipment to ensure accurate measurements.
This leads to more reliable data collection and creates trustworthy results that other researchers can accept.

Factor 2: Equipment Quality

This occurs because equipment reputation and calibration status significantly affects data credibility in fitness investigations.
Validated, regularly calibrated equipment provides more trusted results compared to uncalibrated or consumer-grade alternatives.
Therefore equipment quality influences whether other researchers will believe and use the investigation findings.

Factor 3: Sample Size and Selection

Sample size and selection methods influence the credibility of aerobic training investigation findings significantly.
Larger, representative samples with appropriate criteria yield more believable results than convenient or biased participant selections.
This demonstrates that proper sampling methods enable stronger conclusions about aerobic training program effectiveness.

Factor 4: Reporting Transparency

Transparency in reporting methods enhances credibility by allowing external scrutiny of investigation procedures.
Detailed documentation of protocols and conditions enables other researchers to evaluate and replicate the aerobic training study.
This creates opportunities for verification and builds confidence in the investigation’s findings and conclusions.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any 3 of the following

Factor 1: Researcher Qualifications

The reason for this is that researcher qualifications and expertise directly impact credibility when administering fitness tests.
Proper protocol execution requires technical knowledge and experience with testing equipment to ensure accurate measurements.
This leads to more reliable data collection and creates trustworthy results that other researchers can accept.

Factor 2: Equipment Quality

This occurs because equipment reputation and calibration status significantly affects data credibility in fitness investigations.
Validated, regularly calibrated equipment provides more trusted results compared to uncalibrated or consumer-grade alternatives.
Therefore equipment quality influences whether other researchers will believe and use the investigation findings.

Factor 3: Sample Size and Selection

Sample size and selection methods influence the credibility of aerobic training investigation findings significantly.
Larger, representative samples with appropriate criteria yield more believable results than convenient or biased participant selections.
This demonstrates that proper sampling methods enable stronger conclusions about aerobic training program effectiveness.

Factor 4: Reporting Transparency

Transparency in reporting methods enhances credibility by allowing external scrutiny of investigation procedures.
Detailed documentation of protocols and conditions enables other researchers to evaluate and replicate the aerobic training study.
This creates opportunities for verification and builds confidence in the investigation’s findings and conclusions.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 412

A Year 11 student is investigating the effects of a 6-week aerobic training program on lactic acid threshold in recreational runners.

Explain how the student could enhance the reliability of their data collection. (4 marks)

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Sample Answer

Standardise testing protocols by conducting all threshold tests at the same time of day to minimise variation from circadian rhythms that affect physiological responses.
Ensure consistent testing conditions including temperature, humidity and surface type for all pre and post-training assessments.
Use the same calibrated equipment throughout the entire investigation to eliminate measurement discrepancies from different devices.
Provide clear, detailed instructions to participants regarding pre-test preparations (such as sleep, nutrition, and prior exercise) to control extraneous variables that could impact results.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Standardise testing protocols by conducting all threshold tests at the same time of day to minimise variation from circadian rhythms that affect physiological responses.
Ensure consistent testing conditions including temperature, humidity and surface type for all pre and post-training assessments.
Use the same calibrated equipment throughout the entire investigation to eliminate measurement discrepancies from different devices.
Provide clear, detailed instructions to participants regarding pre-test preparations (such as sleep, nutrition, and prior exercise) to control extraneous variables that could impact results.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 411

When investigating physiological responses to aerobic training, a researcher must consider the validity of their data collection methods.

Outline TWO factors that could impact the validity of heart rate measurements during an aerobic training investigation. (3 marks)

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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following

Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect heart rate responses, potentially invalidating results if not controlled for, as they may influence the physiological variable being measured rather than the training itself.
Psychological factors including anxiety or nervousness around testing equipment can artificially elevate heart rate measurements, reducing validity as the numbers reflect stress responses rather than true training adaptations.
Measurement technique or equipment issues, such as incorrect placement of heart rate monitors, use of different monitoring devices between tests, or equipment malfunction/calibration errors, can result in inaccurate readings that don’t reflect true physiological responses.
Prior activity and lifestyle factors including recent food intake, caffeine consumption, medication use, or physical activity before testing can artificially alter heart rate responses, reducing the validity of measurements as indicators of training adaptations.
Subject-specific physiological variables like hydration status, illness, fatigue levels, or hormonal fluctuations (particularly in female participants) can significantly affect heart rate measurements, compromising validity if not controlled or accounted for.
Testing protocol inconsistencies including variations in warm-up procedures, exercise intensity, duration of measurement periods, or recovery intervals between testing components can invalidate comparisons between pre- and post-training measurements.

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following

Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can affect heart rate responses, potentially invalidating results if not controlled for, as they may influence the physiological variable being measured rather than the training itself.
Psychological factors including anxiety or nervousness around testing equipment can artificially elevate heart rate measurements, reducing validity as the numbers reflect stress responses rather than true training adaptations.
Measurement technique or equipment issues, such as incorrect placement of heart rate monitors, use of different monitoring devices between tests, or equipment malfunction/calibration errors, can result in inaccurate readings that don’t reflect true physiological responses.
Prior activity and lifestyle factors including recent food intake, caffeine consumption, medication use, or physical activity before testing can artificially alter heart rate responses, reducing the validity of measurements as indicators of training adaptations.
Subject-specific physiological variables like hydration status, illness, fatigue levels, or hormonal fluctuations (particularly in female participants) can significantly affect heart rate measurements, compromising validity if not controlled or accounted for.
Testing protocol inconsistencies including variations in warm-up procedures, exercise intensity, duration of measurement periods, or recovery intervals between testing components can invalidate comparisons between pre- and post-training measurements.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 410 MC

A fitness instructor wants to investigate the effect of different aerobic training intensities on resting heart rate. Which data collection method would yield the most credible results?

Having participants self-report their resting heart rates each morning.
Using a standardised laboratory protocol with calibrated heart rate monitors.
Conducting manual pulse readings by different staff members throughout the week.
Measuring heart rates immediately after participants arrive at the fitness center.

Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

B is correct: Using a standardised laboratory protocol with calibrated equipment provides the most credible results because it controls for variables and ensures measurements are taken under consistent conditions with accurate, scientifically validated equipment.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Lacks credibility due to potential inconsistencies in self-reporting methods and participant error.
C is incorrect: Introduces variability from different staff members’ measuring techniques, reducing reliability.
D is incorrect: Problematic because measurements taken immediately upon arrival can be influenced by recent activity (walking, driving, etc.), not truly reflecting resting heart rate.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 409 MC

A student investigated the effects of aerobic training on perceived exertion levels using RPE scales. However, the student discovered that different participants were given different instructions on how to use the scale, and some participants weren't familiar with the 6-20 rating system.

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

The data lacks reliability because participants used inconsistent rating methods.
The data lacks validity because RPE scales don't measure physiological responses.
The data lacks credibility because perceived exertion is too subjective to measure.
The data lacks accuracy because the aerobic training program was inappropriate.

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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

A is correct: Inconsistent instructions and unfamiliarity create measurement inconsistency (reliability).

Other Options:

B is incorrect: RPE scales valid for measuring perceived exertion responses.
C is incorrect: Perceived exertion can be measured credibly using standardized scales.
D is incorrect: Issue relates to scale usage, not training program design.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 408 MC

A researcher is investigating the impact of aerobic training on resting heart rate over an 8-week period. Which of the following data collection approaches would most significantly improve the validity of the research?

Testing participants using the same equipment at the same time of day for each measurement.
Having participants rest quietly for 5 minutes before taking heart rate measurements.
Recruiting participants from different age groups and fitness levels.
Taking multiple heart rate readings and calculating the average for each participant.

Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

A is correct: Same equipment and timing ensures consistent measurement conditions.

Other Options:

B is incorrect: Good practice but doesn’t address consistency between measurement sessions.
C is incorrect: Different groups increase variability, reducing reliability.
D is incorrect: Multiple readings improve accuracy but don’t address session consistency.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 407 MC

A student conducted an investigation on heart rate recovery after aerobic exercise by measuring participants' heart rates at 1-minute intervals following a step test. The student found that measurements varied significantly when using different pulse-taking methods (wrist, neck, and chest monitor).

Which statement best explains the issue with the data collection method?

The investigation lacks credibility because heart rate recovery isn't a valid measure of aerobic fitness.
The investigation lacks validity because different pulse-taking methods were not calibrated against each other.
The investigation lacks reliability because inconsistent measuring techniques were used across participants.
The investigation lacks credibility because a step test isn't an appropriate activity for testing aerobic fitness.

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\(C\)

Show Worked Solution

Consider Option C:

The investigation lacks reliability because using different pulse-taking methods without standardisation creates inconsistency in the measurements.
Reliability refers to the consistency of results when repeated measurements are taken, and in this case, the varying methods reduce the reliability of the data.

Other Options:

A is incorrect: Heart rate recovery is a valid measure of aerobic fitness; the issue is not with the validity of what’s being measured.
B is incorrect: While calibration is important, the primary issue here is the inconsistent application of measuring techniques (a reliability issue), not validity.
D is incorrect: Step tests are widely accepted as appropriate for testing aerobic fitness; the credibility of the method itself is not in question.

\(\Rightarrow C\)

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 369 MC

A student is researching the effect of aerobic training on lactate threshold. Which method would provide the most valid data for this investigation?

Taking blood samples to measure lactate levels at various exercise intensities
Interviewing participants about how tired they feel after training
Surveying participants about their preferred aerobic activities
Observing participants' facial expressions during exercise

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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

A is correct: Taking blood samples to measure lactate concentration at different exercise intensities provides direct, objective data about lactate threshold.

Other Options:

B is incorrect: Subjective feedback about tiredness is not a direct measure of lactate threshold.
C is incorrect: Preferences for activities don’t provide data about physiological lactate responses.
D is incorrect: Facial expressions are subjective and not related to measuring lactate thresholds.

HMS, BM EQ-Bank 366

A student has been asked to design a research question investigating the physiological responses to aerobic training in school students. Evaluate what ethical considerations should be addressed and how the student might ensure validity and reliability in their data collection. (7 marks)

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Sample Answer

Obtain informed consent from participants and parents/guardians for minors, clearly explaining procedures and potential discomforts
Screen participants for pre-existing conditions that might affect results or pose health risks during testing
Ensure privacy and confidentiality of physiological data collected from participants
Control variables such as time of day, prior food intake, and recent activity to ensure reliable results
Use standardised protocols for measuring heart rate, ventilation rate and other physiological responses
Employ calibrated equipment such as heart rate monitors and respiratory measurement devices to ensure accuracy
Include appropriate sample size and demographic representation to allow for meaningful conclusions

Show Worked Solution

Sample Answer

Obtain informed consent from participants and parents/guardians for minors, clearly explaining procedures and potential discomforts
Screen participants for pre-existing conditions that might affect results or pose health risks during testing
Ensure privacy and confidentiality of physiological data collected from participants
Control variables such as time of day, prior food intake, and recent activity to ensure reliable results
Use standardised protocols for measuring heart rate, ventilation rate and other physiological responses
Employ calibrated equipment such as heart rate monitors and respiratory measurement devices to ensure accuracy
Include appropriate sample size and demographic representation to allow for meaningful conclusions