The validity and reliability of a sample of 10 Wattbike cycle ergometers

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to assess the validity and inter-bike reliability of 10 Wattbike cycle ergometers, and to assess the test–retest reliability of one Wattbike. Power outputs from 100 to 1000 W were applied using a motorised calibration rig (LODE) at cadences of 70, 90, 110 and 130 rev · min^?1, which created nineteen different intensities for comparison. Significant relationships (P < 0.01, r² = 0.99) were found between each of the Wattbikes and the LODE. Each Wattbike was found to be valid and reliable and had good inter-bike agreement. Within-bike mean differences ranged from 0.0 W to 8.1 W at 300 W and 3.3 W to 19.3 W at 600 W. When taking into account the manufacturers stated measurement error for the LODE (2%), the mean differences were less than 2%. Comparisons between Wattbikes at each of the nineteen intensities gave differences from 0.6 to 25.5 W at intensities of 152 W and 983 W, respectively. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the measures of power recorded in the test–retest condition. The data suggest that the Wattbike is an accurate and reliable tool for training and performance assessments, with data between Wattbikes being able to be used interchangeably.     

Perception of kinematic characteristics of tennis strokes for anticipating stroke type and direction

The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of visual information used by highly skilled tennis players in anticipating their opponent's shots. In Experiment 1, motion analysis of the strokes showed that the relative motion between the racquet and forearm was different between the ground strokes and lobs, but there were no reliable kinematic differences when shot direction was varied. In Experiment 2, 12 skilled tennis players observed the opponent hitting strokes in a normal video or in a point-light display with different segments occluded. Players' anticipation accuracy was not degraded by the use of the point-light display. Occluding the racquet and forearm significantly reduced the participant's ability to determine the type of stroke produced.     

How accurate can A Level English Literature marking be?

This article considers in a wide perspective the crisis in the assessment of examinations in A‐level English Literature and current attempts to address the problems. Examining the implications of a survey of recent reports initiated by the regulator, it argues that trying to ensure reliability merely through technological advances and changes in examining practice obscures the need for English teachers’ communal understanding of academic standards to be developed through their professional experience. It proposes ways in which this should be achieved, for example by developing current and potential professional networks and communities of practice.     

Teaching general science through film production

Conclusion Differences in achievement under the two methods in the acquisition of information and in the ability to apply information to novel situations were in favor of the film-presentation method, and were large enough to be significant at the 2 and 5 percent levels of confidence respectively. Therefore, under the conditions of this experiment, joint pupil-teacher film production was not as effective in producing achievement in the learning outcomes measured as the film-presentation method. As regards retention of learning, the experimenter concluded that neither method was superior. It was also found that the film-production method was more costly, and that most pupils preferred it even though they did not always feel that they learned the most science by that method. How effective is the use of student film production for the teaching of content in a subject matter area? This study shows the superiority of conventional film presentation techniques over such joint pupil-teacher film production. Carlton W. H. Erickson is director of the audio-visual center and associate professor of education at the University of Connecticut. The article is based on a doctoral dissertation at the Boston University School of Education, entitled, “The Effectiveness of Joint Pupil-Teacher Motion Picture Production as a Method of Teaching General Science.”