Resistance Training Practical Exam

Reliability

a measure of the degree of consistency or repeatability of a test

• may differ between groups based on differences in physical or emotional maturity and skill level

Example of a reliable test

If an athlete whose ability does not change is measured two times, the same score is obtained both times

Example of an unreliable test

an individual could obtain a high score on one day and a low score on another

Reliable

a test must be ___ to be valid, because highly variable results have little meaning

Determining reliability of a test - Administering the same test several times to the same group of athletes

Statistical measurements

1. test-retest reliability - correlation of the scores from two administrations

2. typical error of measurement - includes both the equipment error and biological variation of athletes

** any differences between the two sets of scores represents measurement error

Factors effecting measurement error

(difference between two sets of scores)

1. Intrasubject (within subjects) variability

2. Lack of interrater (between raters) reliability/agreement

3. Intrarater (within raters) variability

4. Failure of the test itself to provide consistent results

Intrasubject variability

a lack of consistent performance by the person being tested

Interrater reliability/Objectivity/Interrater agreement

the degree to which different raters agree in their test results over time or on repeated occasions - it is a measure of consistency

** particularly important if different scorers administer tests to different subgroups of athletes (lenient vs less)

Enhancing this

1. have a clearly defined scoring system

2. have competent scorers who are trained and experienced with the test

3. SAME SCORER(s) test a group at the beginning and the end of training period

Sources of interrater differences

• variations in calibrating testing devices

• preparing athletes

• running the test

• different levels of motivation from athletes based on tester (personality, status, physical appearance, demeanor, sex)

Intrarater Variability

the lack of consistent scores by a given tester

causes:

• inadequate training

• inattentiveness/lac of concentration

• failure to follow standardized procedures

Validity

the degree to which a test or test item measures what it is supposed to measure

** one of the most important characteristics of testing