Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Topic 6: Measurement and evaluation of human
performance (13 hours)
6.1 Statistical analysis 2 hours
6.1.1 Outline that error bars are a graphical representation of the variability of data.
6.1.2 Calculate the mean and standard deviation of a set of values.
6.1.3 State that the statistic standard deviation is used to summarize the spread of values around the mean, and that within a normal distribution approximately 68% and 95% of the values fall within plus or minus one or two standard deviations respectively.
6.1.4 Explain how the standard deviation is useful for comparing the means and the spread of data between two or more samples.
6.1.5 Outline the meaning of coefficient of variation.
6.1.6 Deduce the significance of the difference between two sets of data using calculated values for t and the appropriate tables.
6.1.7 Explain that the existence of a correlation does not establish that there is a causal relationship between two variables.
Refer to Statistics
TOK Link
The scientific community defines an objective standard by which claims about data can be made
6.2 Study design 4 hours
6.2.1 Outline the importance of specificity, accuracy, reliability and validity with regard to fitness testing.
6.2.2 Discuss the importance of study design in the context of the sports, exercise and health sciences.
6.2.3 Outline the importance of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
6.2.4 Evaluate field, laboratory, sub-maximal and maximal tests of human performance.
The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) Link
6.3 Components of fitness 4 hours
6.3.1 Distinguish between the concepts of health-related fitness and performancerelated (skill-related) fitness.
6.3.2 Outline the major components of fitness identified in 6.3.1. 2 6.3.3 Outline and evaluate a variety of fitness tests
6.4 Principles of training programme design 3 hours
6.4.1 Describe the essential elements of a general training programme.
6.4.2 Discuss the key principles of training programme design.
6.4.3 Outline ways in which exercise intensity can be monitored.
TOK Link
Recent research questions the effectiveness of static stretching as a necessary component of the warm-up. The difficulty of conducting controlled trials without a placebo effect could be
discussed. The willingness of athletes to believe what they are told, without questioning the advice, could also be considered.