Physical Performance Scores as a Function of Experimenter Sex and Experimenter Bias

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the main effects of the sex of the experimenter, the interaction effects of the sex of the experimenter and the sex of the S, and the experimenter bias effect upon 50-yd dash, shuttle run, and sit-up scores. The subjects were 48 male and 48 female junior high students. The experimenters were six male and six female upper-division college students. The subjects were randomly assigned for testing to sex of experimenter and experimenter bias effect. The experimenter bias condition resulted from the fact that the experimenters were led to believe that half of the Ss had particular characteristics that would cause them to score well on the tests while the other half had characteristics that should cause poor performance scores. The significant findings in the study were that male experimenters received much better scores from their Ss than did female experimenters on the sit-up test, that Ss scored better when tested by experimenters of the opposite sex on both the 50-yd dash and shuttle run test, and that experimenters obtained results in the direction of their expectations on the shuttle run test.     

超重肥胖初中生形态、生理、运动能力特点及其相关性分析

目的:探讨超重肥胖初中生形态、生理特点与运动能力间的关系,了解超重肥胖初中生的运动能力特征,为青少年超重肥胖的运动干预方案设计提供指导。方法:对某中学初中生进行测试,筛选出超重肥胖学生,从中选取40名,在正常学生中选取40名作为对照组进行身体形态及运动能力测试,对测试数据进行统计分析。结果显示:超重肥胖初中生血压偏高;肺活量偏高,但肺活量指数远低于正常初中生;初中生运动能力降低,50m跑,长跑、立定跳等成绩低于正常初中生,而投掷、握力与正常组无差异;通过相关性分析表明,BMI和%BF同50m、长跑、立定跳等相关性显著。     

Responses to Forces Influencing Cohesion As a Function of Player Status and Level of Male Varsity Basketball Competition

Abstract

This exploratory study determined if the responses of male varsity basketball players to six factors influencing cohesion were a function of level of competitive intensity and/or the importance of the players to their team. Players on intact teams from five levels of competition – elementary school, junior high school, senior high school, small college and large college–responded to a cohesion questionnaire at the end of the season. Coaches designated five players with the most game playing time as “starters” and five players with the least game playing time as “reserves.” A team factor score for Team Performance Satisfaction, Self Performance Satisfaction, Task Cohesion, Affiliation Cohesion, Desire for Recognition and Value of Membership was calculated. Each team factor score served as the dependent variable in a 2 (player status) × 5 (level of competition) analysis ofcovariance design, with teams nested in the second factor. The won-loss record served as the covariate. Results indicated that “starters” were more satisfied with their own performance, were more task conscious, had a greater affiliation desire, and valued their membership on the team to a greater degree than the “reserves.” The elementary and junior high school team members were significantly more satisfied with the team's performance, were more satisfied with their own self performance, were more affiliation conscious, and valued their team membership to a greater degree than did college team members. The interaction between player status and level of competition was not significant for any of the factor scores.     

Cardiorespiratory Adaptations to Training at Specified Intensities

Abstract

Sixteen college men were randomly divided into three training groups and one control group in a study of selected cardiorespiratory adaptations to six weeks of training exercises eliciting either 120, 150, or 180 heart rates. Training consisted of walking on the motor driven treadmill for 10 min. a day, 3 days per week. Highly significant differences were found in the analysis of pre-post Balke treadmill test scores. The Åstrand-Ryhming nomogram prediction of aerobic capacity also showed highly significant changes due to training. Analysis of group differences revealed that the 180 training group's improvement was significantly different from all other groups in both tests. The 150 group was found to be significantly different from the 120 and control groups in the Balke test analysis. No changes were noted in resting pulse rate nor in the pulse rate—oxygen consumption relationship. However, there were small positive differences in the grade required to elicit the training heart rates. The study supports the hypothesis that intense activity is necessary to bring about the changes associated with cardiorespiratory endurance.     

Description of a Low Cost Microcomputer System Interfaced to Exercise Stress Testing Equipment

Abstract

In recent years the classic Margaria step-test for anaerobic power has been largely replaced by bicycle ergometer tests, the most popular of these being the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the WAnT and sprint-run times and to determine the influence of age and weight on the WAnT scores. The 56 male volunteers (age 10–15 years) recruited from a track club and junior high school represented a wide range of athletic abilities. Subjects were tested for anaerobic power (5 sec output) and capacity (30 sec output) using the Wingate test procedures. Wingate scores for anaerobic power and capacity were only moderately correlated with 50 yd dash times (r = ?.53 and ?.53) and with the 600 yd run (r = ?.26 and ?.29). Partial correlations between these variables were lower when age adjusted and higher when adjusted for body weight. Results of this study indicate that the Wingate anaerobic test is only a moderate predictor of dash or run times, but becomes a stronger predictor when WAnT scores are adjusted for body weight. The high correlation of the WAnT with body weight must be taken into account when comparing the anaerobic capacity of individuals. The standing long jump would be the preferred field test of sprint-related ability because of its simplicity, but the Wingate lest has the advantage of providing a quantitative measurement of anaerobic fitness.     

Relationship between Motor Achievement and Selected Personality Factors of Junior and Senior High School Boys

Abstract

This study was conducted for the purpose of determining the relationship between specific factors of personality adjustment and levels of motor achievement in a select group of junior and senior high school boys. Pertinent scales from the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire and the Guilford Zimmerman Temperament Survey were administered to 154 subjects for the purpose of determining existing personality characteristics. The motor achievement data were collected from administration of the McCloy General Motor Ability and Motor Capacity Test. The data were statistically analyzed through the use of the Pearson product-moment correlation technique, the t test, and the multiple regression technique. The study concluded that, (a) individual group dependance was a factor in extent of exhibited motor achievement and, (b) that levels of motor achievement were predictable with the use of grouped measured personality characteristics.     

Bases of Norms for Cable-Tension Strength Tests for Upper Elementary,Junior High,and Senior High School Girls

Abstract

Twelve anthropometric measures and 23 derived indexes were obtained from 72 girls at each level along with 25 cable tensiometer strength tests which were averaged as the criterion. The measures, indexes, and strength criterion were intercorrelated. The highest multiple correlations with the strength criterion were .822, using height times the cube root of weight and arm girth/thigh girth at the elementary level; .784, using chest girth times standing height and shoulder width at the junior high level; and .607, using arm girth and shoulder width/hip width at the senior high level. Combining all levels gave an r of .844 using age and weight. Anthropometric measures intercorrelated higher for elementary school girls, but the indexes intercorrelated higher at the junior and senior high levels than at the elementary level.     

Efficacy of Skinfold Training Clinics: A Comparison between Clinic Trained and Experienced Testers

Abstract

In an attempt to differentiate more adequately between the terms motor ability and athletic participation in their relationship to some measurable aspects of personality, a group of 167 Pomona College junior and senior male students were classified both as to level of motor ability and participation in athletics and were administered the CPI. Utilizing a total test response derived from the sum of ranks of median scores, low and middle motor ability groups ranked higher in the main effects and within the nonathlete and intramural participation groups, but athletic participation did not appear to have any effect upon the measures studied. The pattern of results suggested an expectation hypothesis wherein higher ratings in the personality inventory might be achieved by groups of subjects who participated at a level which would be “expected” in relation to their motor ability.     

Certain Harmful Health Misconceptions of Junior High School Students Attending Public Schools in Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of certain harmful health misconceptions among junior high school students attending public schools in two distinct metropolitan areas of the United States. A health knowledge inventory in two separate forms was constructed, and either Form A or Form B was administered to 4,852 junior high school students from the two distinct metropolitan areas. On the basis of an analysis of the data obtained in this investigation, junior high school students subscribed to many harmful health misconceptions, regardless of metropolitan area, sex, grade level, or number of semesters of health instruction.     

Relationship between Self-Concept,Body Build,and Perception of Father's Interest in Sports in Boys

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the relationship between self-concept, body build, and perception of father's interest in sports in grade 6 and grade 9 boys. Subjects were chosen on the criteria of differing body build measured by the ponderal index and perception of high or low father interest in sports. Analysis of variance of the self-concept scores indicated differences in the grade 6 sample associated with both body build and perception of father's interest.

The lack of similar associations in the grade 9 sample suggests that the relationship between the variables changes in the junior high school level.     

Comparison of Physical Fitness Scores of White and Black Seventh Grade Boys of Similar Socioeconomic Level

Abstract

Boys (N = 115) in the seventh grade of a junior high school were tested for physical fitness by the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test. In addition, data were collected for age, height, weight, and socioeconomic level of each boy. Two racial groups were formed consisting of 30 white and 30 black students who were matched on age and socioeconomic level. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the physical fitness of white and black students of equal socioeconomic level was significantly different. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, height, weight, and socioeconomic level. The black students exceeded the white students significantly on the shuttle run, 50-yd. dash, 600-yd. run and composite fitness score. It was concluded that black male students of similar socioeconomic level to white students in the seventh grade, have a higher level of physical fitness.     

Wear Attitude Inventory Applied to Junior High School Boys

Abstract

Form A of the Wear Attitude Inventory was administered to one randomly selected physical education class of seventh grade boys, one class of eighth grade boys, and one class of ninth grade boys in each of five junior high schools. The mean Inventory score for each grade was found to be equal to or superior to the mean reported in Wear's validation study. A significant X₂ value was found for the distribution of Inventory scores of the three junior high school grades. A biserial coefficient of correlation item analysis which was computed for each of the three grades established that the 30 items correlated significantly with the total score and that the item score also had a significant correlation with the Inventory category score. On the basis of these results, the conclusion was advanced that the Wear Attitude Inventory was an appropriate instrument to measure attitudes of junior high school boys toward physical education.     

Effect of Mastering Swim Skills on Older Adults' Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Two groups of 23 junior high school boys were tested before and after an eight weeks' progressive resistance training program. The experimental group participated in this program, but the control group took part only in regularly scheduled physical education classes. At the end of the eight weeks, it was found that the experimental group increased their ability to do pull-ups, push-ups, the Harvard Step Test, Dodge run, the Burpee test, and trunk extension and flexion. The control group improved in the Dodge run, the Burpee test, push-ups, and trunk extension. In no case did the improvement of the control group exceed the improvement of the experimental group. The experimental group also increased in anthropometric measurements. Medical examinations indicated that no harmful effects were experienced by either group.     

A Study of Rhythmic Ability and Movement Performance

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate selected spatial and temporal characteristics of movement. Forty-one subjects were administered the rhythm test of the Drake Musical Aptitude Tests. From the resulting distribution of scores, 10 subjects with a high level and 10 subjects with a low level of rhythmic ability were filmed while performing a simple rhythmic movement task. The task, done to a fixed metronomic rate of 66 beats/minute, consisted of a forward lunge in which the arm was swung forward and upward until the hand was directly in line with a target. The subject had to stop the motion of her arm in such a position that her hand was in line with the target on every other beat of the metronome, and recover to a starting position on the alternate beats. The subjects responded to eight beats while standing in place and to eight while responding in the described manner. The movement task was recorded on film; deviations in the time and space at the moment of the stimulus were estimated in a frame-by-frame analysis of the film. An analysis of variance of time and space scores was made using 9 subjects in the low group and 10 subjects in the high group. It was concluded that the true means of the absolute deviations in time and space of high and low performers on the Drake Rhythm Test were the same.     

Study of the Effects of Competitive Basketball upon the Physical Fitness of High School Boys as Determined by McCurdy-Larson Organic Efficiency Tests

Abstract

This methodology study was to determine if testing subjects on a specific day of four phases of the menstrual cycle would yield results which would be comparable to testing subjects on each day of the corresponding phases of the cycle and if the test results of one cycle would be comparable to those of two consecutive cycles. A statistical comparison of the mean scores for a specific day of each phase of the cycle and the mean scores for the average of all days for each phase of the cycle was made for pulse rate before exercise, pulse rate after exercise, and the difference in the pulse rate before and after exercise, or pulse rate increase. None of the t ratios obtained were significant. A statistical comparison was also made for the mean scores for two mentrual cycles for pulse rate before and after exercise, pulse rate increases, weight, and temperature. None of the t ratios were significant. It was concluded that testing subjects on a specific day of each of four phases of one menstrual cycle would be a satisfactory testing procedure.     

Effects of Physical Eduction Taught by a Specialist on Physical Fitness and Self-Image

Abstract

The AAHPER youth fitness test and Gordon's “How I See Myself” scale were administered to 75 grade 7 students. The subjects were divided into those with elementary school physical education provided by a specialist (N=46) and those from schools with no such specialist (N=29).

Those subjects who were taught by a specialist participated in experiences in rhythmic activities, group games, tumbling and gymnastics activities, and other individual and dual activities each week. The atmosphere was free from threat, providing opportunities for each child to experience a degree of success and yet be challenged further each day.

Results indicated that the subjects with the experience of working with a physical education specialist performed at a higher level and were more able to assess themselves accurately than were those subjects who had not worked with a physical education specialist in the elementary school.     

Evidence of the relative age effect in football in Australia

Abstract

The birth date distributions of elite male and female footballers in Australia, from junior youth (age 14 and upwards) to senior (professional) players, were examined. A statistically significant relative age effect was found among junior male players, reducing in effect with increasing age. An inter-year relative age effect that became apparent among the players at national level in the Under-17 and Under-20 age groups, due to the timing of the respective World Cups for those age groups, was also identified. It is conjectured that this might lead to players born in certain years having a curtailed pathway in the elite game, leading to drop-out among this very elite group. In the case of women elite players, no significant relative age effect was found among youth players, possibly due to less fierce competition for places, although a significant effect was found to exist at senior elite level.     

Career paths of Swedish top-level women soccer players

This study explores seven Swedish top-level women’s soccer players’ career development experiences. Data were produced through semi-structured interviews and a biographical mapping grid. The theoretical framework of ‘careership’ was employed to understand the data. The results showed homogenous career paths. Moreover, the data show that the players decided at a young age to pursue a career in soccer; experienced the transition from junior to senior level soccer as difficult because of a lack of physical preparedness; soccer over school commitments. We recommend that soccer stakeholders (e.g. federations, clubs, coaches) give the transition from junior to senior level soccer special attention to prevent intense demands that may cause dropout. We further propose that if athletes should give sport and education equal priority, the Swedish dual career concept of high school education and sport needs further reflection and adjustment.     

Relationships between Psychological Functions Tests and Selected Sport Skills of Boys in Junior High School

Abstract

Junior high school boys (N=181) took part in this study. There were 91 athletes and 90 nonathletes who took five psychological function tests² and eight sport skill tests to determine (a) whether differences existed in selected psychological functions and selected sport skills between junior high school boy athletes and nonathletes, (b) the degree of relationship between psychological functions and sport skills, (c) the implementation of a six-multiple variation equation in predicting probable individual sport skill scores, and (d) the degree of relationship between a long and short form psychological functions test and a long and short form sport skills test.

The Stoelting visual reaction timer apparatus was used to test for simple reaction time. The Howard-Dolman apparatus was used to test for depth perception. The McClure perimeter was used to test for peripheral vision left eye, right eye, and total angle. The sport skill tests used were soccer combination skills and volley; basketball dribble shoot and volley; volleyball volley and serve; and baseball volley and repeat throws.

Significant differences existed on all psychological function tests and sport skill tests between athletes and nonathletes, in favor of athletes. The psychological function tests were independent of each other except for peripheral vision total angle with right eye and left eye. There was a low to moderate relationship between the psychological functions and the sport skills. The six-variable multiple R regression equation had a 70 percent predictive accuracy on individual scores for each sport skill test. The short form psychological functions test and the short form sport skills test could replace their respective long forms. The short form psychological functions test could moderately predict sport skill performance in the sport skill areas selected.