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