Test Selection

Field Test

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

Construct Validity

Ability of a test to represent the underlying construct

Face Validity

Appearance to the athlete and other casual obsevers that the test measures what it is supposed to measure

Content Validity

Assessment by experts that the testing covers all relevant subtopics or component abilities in appropriate proportions

Formative Evaluation

Periodic reevaluation based on mid-tests administered during the training, usually at regular intervals

Test

Procedure for assessing ability

Experience and Training Status

1. Consider athlete's ability to perform the technique 2. Consider athlete's level of strength and endurance training

Measurement or Error can Arise From

1. Intra-subject variability 2. Lack of interior reliability or agreement 3. Interrater variability 4. Failure of the test itself to provide consistent results

Sex and Age

Both may affect the athlete's experience, interest, ability

Biomechanical Movement Pattern Specificity

The more similar the test is to an important movement in the sport, the better

Evaluation

The process of analyzing test results for the purpose of making decisions

Measurement

The process of collecting data

Validity

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

Interrater Reliability

Degree to which different raters agree; also referred to as objective or interrater agreement

Criterion-Referenced Validity

Extent to which test scores are associated with some other measure of the same ability

Intra-subject Variability

Lack of consistent performance by the person tested

Interrater Variability

Lack of consistent scores by a given tester

Environmental Factors

1. High temperatures and high humidity can impair performance, pose health risks, and lower validity of aerobic endurance tests 2. Temperature fluctuations can reduce ability to compare test results over time 3. Altitude can impair performance on aerobic endurance tests, although not on tests of strength and power

Test Selection

1. Metabolic Energy System Specificity 2. Biomechanical movement pattern specificity 3. Experience and training status 4. Age and sex 5. Environmental Factor

Sequence of Testing

1. Non-fatigue test 2. Agility tests 3. Max power and strength tests 4. Sprint tests 5. Local muscular endurance tests 6. Fatiguing anaerobic capacity test 7. Aerobic capacity test (NAMSLFA)

Reliability

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

Posttest

A test administered after the training period to determine the success of training program in achieving the training objectives

Pretest

A test administered before the beginning of training to determine the athlete's initial basic ability levels

Midtest

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

Metabolic Energy System Specificity

Consider the energy demands (phosphagen, glycolytic, oxidative) of the sport when choosing or designing tests