Unit 1(B) - Research Methods in Motor Development

Cross-Sectional Research

Subjects representing various cohorts are examined on the same task of factor at one time period

• Advantages : ↓ time cost, ↑ sample size

• Disadvantages : might force assumptions of reason for change cause it cannot produce causal conclusions

Cohorts

different groups that share a common characteristics

• ie: children 7-9, teens 13-15, adults 20-24

Longitudinal Research

One group of subjects is observed periodically thought the occurrence of their development

• Advantage : observes long-term change

• Disadvantage :

  • subject mortality

  • Practice effect

  • ↑ expensive

Subject Mortality

subjects are ↑ likely to drop out due to length and results have skewed study and biased sample

Practice Effect

↑ repetition of function or skill will result in natural adoption of the task

Sequential Research (mixed-longitudinal)

Combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional research

• Advantage :

  • time lag that permits study of different cohorts at one time but in different time periods

  • may have ↑ availability to factor in environmental variables

• Disadvantages : complex, statistically convoluted to analyze

Problems in research

1) Inhibited or exaggerated performance

2) Inconsistency in performance

3) Inter-rater reliability

4) reliability and validity

Inhibited or exaggerated performance

audience effect (similar to social desirability effect)

Inconsistency in performance

• optimal to observe in natural settings

• patience and frequent trails are key

Inter-rater reliability

observers need to be carefully trained to ensure consistency in observations