Estimation versus falsification approaches in sport and exercise science

There has been a recent resurgence in debate about methods for statistical inference in science. The debate addresses statistical concepts and their impact on the value and meaning of analyses’ outcomes. In contrast, philosophical underpinnings of approaches and the extent to which analytical tools match philosophical goals of the scientific method have received less attention. This short piece considers application of the scientific method to “what-is-the-influence-of x-on-y” type questions characteristic of sport and exercise science. We consider applications and interpretations of estimation versus falsification based statistical approaches and their value in addressing how much x influences y, and in measurement error and method agreement settings. We compare estimation using magnitude based inference (MBI) with falsification using null hypothesis significance testing (NHST), and highlight the limited value both of falsification and NHST to address problems in sport and exercise science. We recommend adopting an estimation approach, expressing the uncertainty of effects of x on y, and their practical/clinical value against pre-determined effect magnitudes using MBI.     

Validierung von neun Bewegungssensoren bei Kindern und jungen Erwachsenen

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of one accelerometer and eight pedometers in schoolchildren and young adults under controlled experimental conditions and under free-living conditions over a 24-h period. The most accurate results under controlled conditions were obtained with a piezoelectric pedometer. For this device absolute deviations (median) ranged between 0.2 and 1.0% for children and between 0.2 and 1.4% for young adults. Absolute deviations for the accelerometer were 0.8–3.1% for children and 0.6–3.2% for adults. Motion sensors were more accurate with increasing walking speed. For several pedometers the absolute deviation exceeded 50% in tests with schoolchildren. These differing results illustrate that step counts from different motion sensors cannot be compared directly. Therefore, the validity and reliability of activity monitors should be examined carefully before being used in scientific research.     

An exploration of the effect of servicescape on student institution choice in UK universities

In recent years there has been increased discussion of the subjective, emotional and sociological factors influencing student choice of university. However, there is a dearth of information exploring what constitutes these feelings. This exploratory paper uses the conceptual model of the servicescape to provide insight into the emotional factors driving student choice. In-depth interviews with prospective students revealed that first impressions really do count. Students are deterred by poor physical environments and excited by enthusiastic staff and students. Most significantly, the study revealed the necessity of a restorative servicescape to provide both a sense of escape and feeling of belonging. This paper contributes to broadening the application of the servicescape model and to a greater understanding of the impact of the environment on prospective students, and creates an opportunity to inform policy by providing university marketing decision makers with a better understanding of what constitutes the university environment and what makes it appealing to prospective students.     

RECRUITING HEALTH INFORMATION FACULTY: THE EFFECTS OF MONETARY RECRUITMENT INCENTIVES

This paper addresses recruitment of Health Information faculty for community and technical colleges, an issue of crucial importance because many faculty hired during the enrollment boom of the 1960s are retiring. The design for this research was a factorial experiment, involving a two-way analysis of variance. The participants (N?=?194) were medical coding professionals. The participants role-played as applicants for community and technical college health information faculty positions by rating jobs described in simulated recruitment advertisements. Offering a salary incentive and a signing bonus increased applicant attraction to community and technical college faculty positions. Implications for faculty recruitment are discussed.     

The Way Forward: Improving Interlibrary Loan Service Delivery at a Caribbean Academic Library

The Alma Jordan Library (AJL) is located on the St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago and is the largest academic library in the University of the West Indies' library system. This article examines interlibrary loan and document delivery (ILL/DD) services, discusses existing ILL/DD activities, and analyzes usage statistics at this Caribbean educational institution. It reviews the current literature that exists about ILL/DD in the Caribbean and other academic institutions outside the region. This article serves to add to the body of literature on this topic and provides practical recommendations for improving the current service.     

中华人民共和国第10届冬季运动会冬季两项比赛射击速度和命中率调研报告

通过对第 10届冬运会冬季两项比赛射击速度和命中率的临场统计 ,分析了我国男、女运动员射击速度的现状及与世界冬季两项优秀运动员的对比 ,指出了影响我国冬季两项运动员射击速度和命中率的原因 ,并提出了相应的对策和建议。     

Manifest: Strategische Bedeutung des Software Engineering für die Medizin

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