Ch. 12 Principles of test selection and administration

Is the appearance to the athlete and other casual observers that the test measures what it is purported(claims) to measure. If the test or test item has this type of validity, the athlete is more likely to respond to it positively.

Face validity

Test administered after the training period to determine the success of the training program in achieving the the training objectives.

Post-test

What metabolic energy system does basketball use?

Predominately anaerobic (lots of sprinting for short periods of time). It would use the phosphagen and glycolytic energy systems primarily. It is best for tests to simulate the physical movements and energy demands of a real game.

Athletes should have a written instructions of the test batteries and a proper demonstration of each test. General and specific _____ performed before the tests can increase the test's reliability. For tests that dramatically increase the heart rate, a cool down is necessary (active recovery with low intensity movement...no laying or sitting down) for enhanced recovery.

warm-ups

The process of collecting test data

Measurement

Any difference between two sets of scores is what?

Measurement error

Athletes should be _______ cleared before being permitted to physically train and compete.

Medically cleared

A test administered one or more times during the training period to assess progress and modify the program as needed to maximize benefit.

Mid-test

When creating test forms, what are some things to keep in mind?

-Develop forms before the test session -Provide proper spacing for all test results -Document factors such as the environment -Include specific details (the pin height for the barbell when conducting a 1RM) for reducing recording errors and to test more efficiently.

When creating test format, what are some things to keep in mind?

-Make athletes aware of the purpose and procedures of the testing. -State whether athletes will be tested all at once or in groups -State whether the same person will conduct all tests for athletes (favorable because it prevents interrater reliability) -Plan and practice the test before hand

Statistical correlation of the scores from two administrations provides a measure of what?

test-retest reliability

Also referred to as objectivity or interrater agreement, is the degree to which different raters agree in their test results over time or on repeated occasions; it is a measure of consistency. It is important that testers have the same testing reliability because if one is off it can result in poor test results for comparison.

Interrater reliabilty

Is a measure of the degree of consistency or repeatability of a test. A test must be this to be valid, because highly variable results have little meaning.

Reliability

To achieve accurate test results, tests must be administered how?

Safely, correctly, and in an organized manner.

A procedure for assessing ability in a particular endeavor

Test

This type of test requires an athletes maximum repetitions (pull-ups or pushups) to test their muscular endurance.

Test battery Note: there should be a 5 minute rest in-between batteries.

What is the reason for testing athletes?

-Assess athletic talent -Identify physical abilities and areas in need of improvement -Set goals -Evaluate progress

When conducting testing batteries and multiple test trials, what are some things to keep in mind?

-When time is limited and the group is large, duplicate test setups may be employed for efficiency. Just as long as the athlete is performing 2 non-fatiguing tests after another (vertical jump followed by a static jump test) -When multiple trials are conducted of a test (1RM), allow complete recovery between trials (2-3 minutes when they are close to max) -When performing test batteries (maximal repetitions for endurance), allow 5 minutes in-between different tests.

To ensure test reliability, one test should not effect the performance of a subsequent test. This should allow for optimal performance in each test and also allow for valid comparison with previous testing results. Test order should be designed for minimal recovery time between sets, allowing for a more efficient testing session. An effort should be made to administer fatiguing anaerobic and aerobic tests on a different day than the other tests if possible. Tests that maximally tax the phosphagen system need 3-5 minutes for recovery, while tests that max the anaerobic glycolytic system require at least an hour. What is the best order to administer tests?

1. Non fatiguing tests (height, weight, flexibility, skinfold, girth measurements, vertical jump). 2. Agility Tests (T-tests, pro agility tests) 3. Maximal power and strength tests (1RM, power clean, 1RM squat) 4. Sprint tests (40 m sprint with split times at 10m and 20m) 5.Local muscular endurance tests (push up tests) 6. Fatiguing anaerobic capacity tests (300-yard (275 m) shuttle) 7. Aerobic capacity tests (1.5 mile run or Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests)

What are the two most important characteristics of testing?

1. Validity 2. Reliability

refers to the overall validity, or the extent to which the test actually measures what it was designed to measure.

Construct validity

A test administered before the beginning of training to determine the athlete's initial basic ability levels. It allows the coach to design the training program in keeping with the athletes initial training level and overall program objectives

Pre-test

Is the assessment by experts that the testing covers all relevant subtopics or component abilities in appropriate proportions. For athletic testing, these include all the component abilities needed for a particular sport or sport position. Example of component abilities in athletics are jumping ability, sprinting ability, and lower body strength. For example, a test battery for a soccer player should include, at minimum, tests for sprinting speed, agility, endurance, and kicking power.

Content Validity

Is the extent to which test scores are associated with some other measure of the same ability.

Criterion-reference validity there are 3 types: 1.concurrent validity : the extent to which test scores are associated with those of other accepted tests that measure the same ability. 2.predictive validity: The extent to which the test score corresponds with future behavior or performance. This can be measured through comparison of a test score with some measure of success in the sport itself. 3.discriminant validity: the ability of a test to distinguish between two different constructs and is evidenced by a low correlation between the results of the test and those of tests of different construct.

Athletes experience , training status, age and sex can effect test performance. So these factors should be considered in test selection. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and altitude can influence test performance, so testers should try to standardize environmental conditions as much as possible. T/F

True

For a test to be valid, it must emulate the energy requirements of the sport for which the ability is being tested. T/F?

True

Is the degree to which a test or test item measures what it is supposed to measure. This is one of the most important characteristics of testing.

Validity

Is a lack of consistent performance by the person being tested.

Intrasubject variability

When selecting a proper test what are the most important things to consider?

-Metabolic energy systems being used (phosphagen, glycolytic, and oxidative) -Biomechanical movement patterns specific to the sport (lineman vs wide receiver, they both will have a push movement (chest test) but one runs longer distances in the game than the other and should be tested on the distance ran typically in the game (5-15 yards vs 30-100 yards). -Experience and training status (trained athletes may be able to do a difficult exercise more proficient than a novice athlete) -Age and sex (men have more upper body strength in a pull up than women so may need to do assisted pull up machine) (young children may not be able to run long distances because they have not developed a tolerance yet) -Environmental (high temperatures (>80 F) and humidity (50%>) can affect testing for an athlete due to performance and health concerns. Altitude and cold temperatures can also impair performance. Indoor, treadmill or stationary cycle testing is preferred in this case.

Test administrators should be selected and trained in what manner?

-Well trained on health, safety, and scoring -Make sure all novice administrators score and perform all tests correctly (timing on sprints and 1RM testing for strength) -Train each individual so that test reliability stays the same (test reliability can become impaired if one administrator encourages one group of kids and the other does not)

The process of analyzing test results for the purpose of making decision. For example, a coach examines the results of physical performance tests to determine whether the athlete's training program is effective in helping achieve the training goals or whether modifications in the program are needed.

Evaluation

A test used to assess ability that is performed away from the laboratory and does not require extensive training or expensive equipment.

Field test

Periodic reevaluation based on mid-tests administered during the training, usually at regular intervals. It enables monitoring of the athletes progress and adjustment of the training program according to the athletes individual needs. It also allows evaluation of different training methods and collection of normative data. Regular modification of the training program based on this type of evaluation keeps the training program fresh and interesting and helps avoid physical and mental staleness.

Formative evaluation

Is the lack of consistent scores by a given tester. This differs from interrater reliability, which refers to the degree of agreement between different testers.

Intrarater reliability